South Australia police have expanded their search for missing four-year-old Gus Lamont by inspecting an outhouse that has fresh cement and a nearby water tank on a family property in the Mid North. The two-day operation is drawing to a close, with investigators yet to uncover any evidence.
On the second day, Task Force Horizon focused on a neighboring property linked to Gus’ family, located approximately 30 kilometres west of Oak Park Station, where Gus disappeared nearly five months ago.
The search included a remote portion of a sheep station, a close-up look at a water tank, and an inspection of an outhouse that had recently been cemented. A cadaver dog from New South Wales assisted in the effort.
Later, police moved to a Grampus property about 24 kilometres from Oak Park, where major crime detectives examined the yard and homestead, but no links to Gus’ disappearance were found at either site.
Earlier in the day, a police helicopter departed Peterborough Aerodrome bound for the Pualco Range Conservation Park, south of Yunta, as part of the coordinated operation.
The operation is expected to wrap up today, with 7News reporting that officers will maintain a presence in the area. Gus was last seen on September 27, reportedly playing outside the main homestead while his grandmother cared for his younger brother inside.
Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke, in charge of Major Crime, said police cannot rule out the possibility that Gus remained on the property when officers arrived at the homestead on the night of September 27. “Possibly,” he said. “Police were on scene quite quickly when they were advised that Gus was missing. Yes, there was some time in between, but it is possible. We’re still working on that (original) timeline.”
The timeline Gus’ family and police have used to outline events is under intense scrutiny.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Gus’ 75-year-old grandmother, Josie Murray, was arrested and charged with firearm offences. The authorities emphasise that these charges are not connected to the child’s disappearance. She is scheduled to appear in Peterborough Magistrates’ Court in May.
