Yesterday, detectives took action in a significant criminal case, charging Shaun Smoothy, a 45-year-old resident of Crows Nest, with the murder of Paul Woods, who was 48 years old at the time of his disappearance.

The troubling case began when Woods was officially reported missing to law enforcement on Tuesday, October 14. However, the investigation suggests that the events leading to his disappearance might have occurred earlier than initially assumed.

Detective Inspector Ryan Harmer revealed critical insights, stating, “We’ve been unable to establish any proof of life from Paul on the fifth.” This statement indicates that authorities suspect Woods may have encountered danger as early as a week before he was reported missing.

Harmer further explained, “We’ve spoken to witnesses who have led us to believe that this is obviously a homicide investigation.” With witness testimony supporting the theory of foul play, the investigation has taken a grave turn, focusing on uncovering the truth behind Woods’ tragic fate.

“We’ve spoken to witnesses who have led us to believe that this is obviously a homicide investigation.”

Police have since established crime scenes at Woods’ home in Hampton, as well as Smoothy’s property in Cressbrook Creek.

The dog squad, police divers and the SES were called in to assist with the search of the large rural property today where police allege Woods was killed and his body dismembered.

“At the end of the day, the forensic examination is in its early stages, so we still have a number of days yet to be able to search that property thoroughly,” Harmer said.

Smoothy is understood to be a house re-stumper and avid hunter.

Police say they believe the two men knew each other.

“We believe that they know each other, we are still trying to investigate the relationship,” Harmer said.

Police say Woods was last seen more than two weeks ago, riding an unregistered blue and white Yamaha 450 motorbike on Saturday afternoon, October 5, between the Hampton and Cressbrook Creek area.

The motorbike remains missing.

Anyone with information or CCTV or dashcam of the motorbike in the Hampton, Crows Nest and Cressbrook Creek areas between October 5 and 6 is urged to contact police.