Gus Lamont’s grandparents ‘devastated’ after missing boy case declared major crime

The grandparents of missing boy Gus Lamont have released a statement through their lawyers saying they are “absolutely devastated” after the four-year-old’s disappearance was yesterday declared a major crime.

Gus was reported as last seen playing on a mound of dirt about 5pm on September 27 at his family home, the Oak Park Station homestead, which is about 43 kilometres south of Yunta in South Australia.

Police yesterday declared the disappearance a major crime.
The grandparents of the missing four-year-old have released a statement. (South Australia Police)

Today, lawyers acting for the four-year-old’s grandparents Josie Murray and Shannon Murray released this statement on their behalf:

“We are absolutely devastated by the media release of SAPOL Major Crime. The family has cooperated fully with the investigation and want nothing more than to find Gus and reunite him with his mum and dad.”

The lawyers also indicated Josie and Shannon Murray will not be making any further comments.

There is no suggestion Josie or Shannon Murray are involved in the disappearance of Gus and it is not unusual for anyone linked to an investigation to seek out legal advice.

Police yesterday said a person who has close ties to the household, who is not one of his parents, was speaking with detectives but then “withdrew co-operation” and is now considered a suspect. No arrests have been made.

Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke also revealed the investigation had centred on three theories: whether Gus was abducted; whether someone he knows was involved in his disappearance or suspected death; and whether he wandered off from Oak Park Station.

Fielke said detectives from Taskforce Horizon have a “high level of confidence” he did not wander off.

Investigators have also found no evidence to suggest Gus was abducted.

The search for Gus

No evidence of Gus has been uncovered despite extensive searches of the property, which Fielke said has been the “largest and most intensive” missing person search ever undertaken by SA Police.

A full-scale ground and air search of the property and the surrounding area was launched after Gus went missing.

Officers returned to the area surrounding Oak Park Station to search for Gus’ remains on February 2, but uncovered no evidence.