In a significant development in the mysterious disappearance of four-year-old Gus Lamont, two members of his family have retained prominent criminal defence lawyers. This comes as South Australian Police disclosed that their sole suspect in the case is a relative who resides at the remote Oak Park Station property, though they have explicitly stated that neither of Gus's parents are under suspicion.
A Remote Property and a Vast Search
Gus Lamont vanished from Oak Park Station, a sprawling 60,000-hectare property located approximately 40 kilometres south of Yunta in South Australia, on September 27 last year. The subsequent search operation, involving both air and ground teams, was described by authorities as being of an unprecedented scale in the state's policing history. Despite this extensive effort, no trace of the young boy was found.
Legal Representation Engaged
It was revealed that Gus's grandparent, Josie Murray, has reportedly hired Adelaide-based criminal lawyer Andrew Ey. Concurrently, his grandmother, Shannon Murray, has sought the legal services of Casey Isaacs, also from Adelaide. Andrew Ey is a partner at Mangan Ey & Associates and boasts a career spanning over fifteen years, during which he has handled numerous high-profile cases. Notably, he successfully defended Australian Idol contestant Shannon Noll in a 2017 assault case outside an Adelaide nightclub.
Casey Isaacs practices with the firm Caldicott + Isaacs and also holds the position of president at the Australian and New Zealand Association of Psychiatry, Psychology and Law. Police have emphasised that no arrests have been made and no charges have been laid. They noted it is common for witnesses to seek legal counsel and clarified that there is no suggestion either grandmother was involved in any wrongdoing.
Police Investigation and a Withdrawn Suspect
Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke provided an update on the investigation, stating that family members had initially cooperated with police and provided information that helped establish Gus's movements prior to his disappearance. However, a detailed review by Task Force Horizon uncovered several inconsistencies and discrepancies in the timelines and accounts given by the family.
"As a result of these inconsistencies, and investigations into them, a person who resides at Oak Park station has withdrawn their support for the police and is no longer cooperating with us," Detective Superintendent Fielke explained. While he did not disclose the identity of this individual, he confirmed that person is now considered a suspect in Gus's disappearance and presumed death. He stressed, "I do want to stress, however, that Gus's parents are not suspects in his disappearance."
A Delicate Criminal Investigation
The detective superintendent described the case as a "delicate" criminal investigation, now declared a major crime. He confirmed that police do not believe Gus is alive but could not elaborate on the specific discrepancies in the family's information. When investigators returned to the homestead on January 14 and 15, they conducted a comprehensive forensic search, seizing a vehicle, a motorcycle, and several electronic devices for forensic testing.
Detective Superintendent Fielke declined to comment on whether the suspect remains at Oak Park Station, stating, "I can't give you any more information about the suspect or where the suspect is and why that person is a suspect." He added that the suspect is believed to be known to Gus, underscoring the sensitive nature of the ongoing inquiry. "Task Force Horizon members, myself, are very cognisant of how delicate that is, and what that means for the family," he concluded, affirming their commitment to a thorough investigation.
