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Authorities investigating the case of missing four-year-old Gus Lamont have pressed firearms charges against his 75-year-old grandmother, Josie Murray. However, they clarified that these charges are unrelated to the boy’s disappearance.
Earlier today, police revealed the charges while concluding their day’s search efforts at the Oak Park Station homestead, located roughly 43 kilometers south of Yunta, South Australia. This site is the family’s residence and the focal point of the renewed search operation.
Gus was last observed playing on a pile of dirt around 5 p.m. on September 27, marking the last known sighting of him.
The search for clues will persist, with authorities planning to remain in the vicinity to continue their investigation tomorrow.
“We will provide updates on the search activities as new information becomes available,” said SA Police in an official statement.
As a result of a previous search at Oak Park Station, police arrested Josie Murray, who was bailed to appear in the Peterborough Magistrates Court on May 6.
Detective Inspector Andrew Macrae said the firearms charges were not related to the disappearance of Gus or a previous incident at Oak Park Station in October involving media attending the property.
Police earlier this month confirmed a person with close ties to the household, who is not one of Gus’ parents, had been speaking with detectives but then allegedly “withdrew cooperation” and has since been identified as a suspect.
Gus’ disappearance is now being considered a major crime.
Josie Murray and Gus’ other grandparent Shannon Murray released a statement through their lawyers, saying they were “absolutely devastated” by SA Police’s statement on February 6.
“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 statement read.
The lawyers also indicated they 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.
No evidence of Gus has been uncovered despite extensive searches of the property, which Detective Superintendent Darren 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.
The search area has totalled 706 square kilometres, with the assistance of 80 Australian Defence Force soldiers, drones, mounted officers and aircraft.
About 163 SA Police officers have been deployed for the search.
A three-day search of six mine shafts near Oak Park Station also failed to uncover any evidence.
Police received more than 150 Crime Stoppers tips about the missing boy.
Officers returned to the area surrounding Oak Park Station to search for Gus’ remains on February 2, but uncovered no evidence.
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