Disappearance of four-year-old Gus Lamont declared major crime

The disappearance and suspected death of four-year-old Gus Lamont in South Australia’s outback has been declared a major crime, with investigators identifying a person known to the child as a suspect.

According to a report by Australian Associated Press (AAP), Gus was last seen on September 27 by his grandmother while playing on a mound of dirt at Oak Park Station, a large sheep property in remote South Australia. His disappearance triggered extensive search efforts covering nearly 500 square kilometres, involving hundreds of personnel, aerial support and mounted units.

Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke said on Thursday that investigators no longer believed the child was alive.

“We don't believe now that Gus is alive,” he told reporters, as quoted by Australian Associated Press (AAP).

Fielke said a person known to Gus and living at Oak Park Station had stopped cooperating with police after inconsistencies were found in their statements.

He confirmed that Gus’s grandmother, mother and younger brother were on the property when the boy went missing.

“I do want to stress, however, that Gus's parents are not suspects in his disappearance,” he said, Australian Associated Press (AAP) has reported.

Police searched the Oak Park Station homestead on January 14 and 15, seizing several items for examination.

“All of these items are now subject to forensic testing,” Fielke said.

Investigators initially considered the possibility that Gus had wandered off or been abducted, but police now believe neither scenario is likely.

The initial 10-day air and ground search for the child was one of the largest undertaken by South Australia Police. In November, specialist teams also searched six mine shafts about 40km south of Yunta, but found no trace of Gus. Another four-day search in early October within a 5.5km radius of the homestead also ended without evidence.

In a statement released on September 30, the family described their shock and grief following the boy’s disappearance.

“This has come as a shock to our family and friends, and we are struggling to comprehend what has happened,” the statement said. “Gus's absence is felt in all of us, and we miss him more than words can express, Australian Associated Press (AAP) has quoted.

“Our hearts are aching, and we are holding onto hope that he will be found and returned to us safely,” as quoted by Australian Associated Press (AAP).