Homicide Investigation Launched After Decomposed Body Found in South Australia
A decomposed body discovered by a bushwalker in South Australia's Fleuieu Peninsula is being investigated as a homicide. Police have stated the remains are likely several years old and are conducting forensic testing to identify the victim.
"The circumstances of the discovery indicate this person was murdered and left here several years ago."
Discovery
A bushwalker found a decomposed body in bushland at Inman Valley, South Australia, at approximately 5:30 PM on Friday. The body was located approximately five to six meters down an embankment off a track on Mount Alma Road.
Investigation
Local police, Major Crime detectives, and forensic officers have attended the scene. Detective Inspector Andrew Macrae stated that initial investigations indicate the person was murdered and left at the location several years ago.
Police expressed confidence that the death was a homicide based on the circumstances of the discovery.
Forensic testing is underway to identify the victim. Early results are expected within days.
Possible Links to Taskforce Southern
Detectives are examining potential connections to Taskforce Southern, which investigates alleged drug-related murders in Adelaide's southern suburbs. The taskforce has been linked to the cases of Trevor King, Robert Atkins, and Jeff Mundy.
- Jeff Mundy: Last seen in 2020 at Seaford, approximately 40 km from Inman Valley. Mundy's death is considered a major crime. In 2022, Detective Inspector Brett Featherby stated police believed Mundy's remains were on the Fleuieu Peninsula and that multiple people were involved in his death and the disposal of his body. No charges have been laid for Mundy's murder.
- Robert Atkins: Remains were found in 2023 in a well at an abandoned property in the state's Mid North. One person has been charged in connection with this case.
- Trevor King: Found dead in waters off West Lakes in January 2020.
"Just because of the geography, it's one of the considerations we will be looking at."
Detective Inspector Macrae noted that the geographic proximity of the Inman Valley discovery to Seaford is one of several considerations being examined.