Gus Lamont’s grandmother remains hopeful that the missing boy will finally be found, months after he vanished without a trace.
Friday marks six months since four-year-old Gus disappeared from his grandparents’ 60,000ha Oak Park Station near Yunta in South Australia’s Mid North region.
Despite South Australian Police launching its largest search operation in the state’s history, no trace of Gus has ever been found.
Police announced last month they believed the four-year-old was dead and declared his disappearance a major crime.
They also revealed that two family members were no longer cooperating with police, but stressed that Gus’s mother and father, Jessica Murray and Joshua Lamont, were not considered suspects in the ongoing investigation.
Gus’s grandparents Shannon and Josie Murray – a transgender woman – have both enlisted the services of high-profile Adelaide defence lawyers.
Josie hired Andrew Ey while Shannon is represented by Casey Isaacs, who made a statement on behalf of his client – who was the last person to see Gus alive – on Thursday night.
‘(Shannon) is still supporting Josie, co-operating through her solicitors and hoping to find Gus, (and) hoping that some information comes to light soon,’ he told the Adelaide Advertiser.
Gus’ grandmother Shannon Murray (pictured) hopes that information about his disappearance ‘comes to light soon’
Friday marks six months since four-year-old Gus Lamont vanished without a trace
It’s understood Shannon last saw Gus playing in a sandpile at Oak Park around 5pm on AFL Grand Final day on September 27 last year. But when she went to call him inside a short time later, he was gone.
Officers returned to the remote Oak Park Station earlier this month to search several locations for potential evidence regarding the investigation.
The taskforce dedicated to the case vowed to ‘continue to investigate the disappearance of Gus Lamont until it is resolved’.
Crime Stoppers has received more than 500 calls from the public about the case.
‘Task Force Horizon members are dedicated, motivated and determined to locate Gus Lamont and return him to his parents,’ a police spokesperson said.
‘SA Police has not ruled out returning to Oak Park Station as the investigation continues.’
Former NSW detective-turned-criminologist Vincent Hurley warned the investigation ‘may take years’ to reach a conclusion.
‘The fact that the police are still going out there, the fact that they are still following up leads. ‘They would not be going out there for no reason at all,’ he told the ABC.
New photos and footage were recently released by SA Police of missing boy Gus
Despite SA Police launching its largest search operation in the state’s history, no trace of the boy has been found (pictured, officers search the desert in Yunta)
Read More Single detail in newly-released video of Gus Lamont that cops are focusing on
‘The police will continually follow up this until it’s solved.
‘It might take one, it might take three, it might take five years but eventually someone will be held to account.’
Shannon and Josie Murray released a joint statement last month after police revealed they had identified a suspect within the family.
‘We are absolutely devastated by the media release of SAPOL Major Crime,’ the pair’s 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.’
Days later, police arrested and charged Josie Murray, 75, with firearm offences. Police said the charges are not connected to Gus’s disappearance.
Murray was bailed to appear in Peterborough Magistrates Court in May.
A week later, police released new photos and footage of Gus on behalf of his parents.
Gus’ grandparents Shannon (left) and Josie Murray (right) have both enlisted the services of high profile Adelaide defence lawyers
Police confirmed to Daily Mail that a wide-brimmed grey hat with a black band that Gus was wearing in the video is one of the items they were hoping to find.
It’s understood that Gus was wearing the same hat when he disappeared while playing at his grandparents’ property.
‘We are united in our grief, and we are united in our search for answers about what happened to our little boy, Gus, who means everything to us,’ a statement from Gus’ parents read at the time.
‘Our lives have been shattered, and every moment without him is unbearable. We know someone out there may have information.
‘If someone knows what happened, we are pleading with that person – or anyone who may have seen or heard anything – to please come forward. Even the smallest detail could give us the answers we so desperately need.’
‘SA Police has not ruled out returning to Oak Park Station as the investigation continues,’ a spokesperson said
The parents also shared their gratitude to the hundreds of workers and volunteers who offered their time to search for their ‘beautiful’ boy.
‘We also want to express our deepest gratitude to everyone involved in the search for Gus,’ the statement continued.
‘The tireless efforts of police, emergency services, ADF personnel, volunteers, and specialists have meant more to us than we can ever say.
‘To the friends, family and supporters who have shown such compassion, concern, and assistance during this heartbreaking time: thank you.
‘Your kindness has helped carry us through the darkest days of our lives. All we want is to bring Gus home and understand what happened to our beautiful boy.’