Victoria Boy Missing: Crime Declared, Grandparents Shocked

The grandparents of missing four-year-old Gus Lamont say they are “absolutely devastated” after a family member was named as a suspect in his presumed death. Gus Lamont was last seen playing at a sheep station in South Australia on September 27.

Gus Lamont Disappearance Now a Major Crime Investigation

Police declared the disappearance a major crime on Thursday, identifying a suspect who resided at Oak Park Station. While Gus’s grandparents, mother, and younger brother were present at the property when he went missing, authorities have stated that his parents are not suspects.

Josie and Shannon Murray, Gus’s grandparents, released a statement through their lawyers, Andrew Ey and Casey Isaacs. “We are absolutely devastated by the media release of SAPOL Major Crime,” the statement read. “The family has co-operated fully with the investigation and want nothing more than to find Gus and reunite him with his mum and dad.”

According to Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke, the suspect withdrew cooperation with the investigation after “a number of inconsistencies and discrepancies” were found in their provided information.

Initial searches covered nearly 500 square kilometers, involving hundreds of police and volunteers, including aerial and mounted units. Fielke stated that the investigation initially focused on the possibility of Gus becoming lost, but has since shifted to consider abduction or the involvement of someone known to him.

“We don’t believe now that Gus is alive,” Fielke said.

Investigators searched the homestead on January 14 and 15, seizing a vehicle, motorcycle, and electronic devices for forensic analysis. Despite extensive ground and aerial searches, Gus or any of his belongings have not been located.

Fielke added, “As a result of that, we have identified a number of inconsistencies and discrepancies with that information as it relates to timelines and the version of events provided to us by the family members.” He acknowledged the difficulty of investigating family members but affirmed the unwavering dedication of his team.