Police have located the vehicle of Kenneth John Giles, a 58-year-old man wanted for allegedly shooting his partner, nearly two months after he fled a property near Mullewa in Western Australia's Mid West region.
The white Nissan Patrol ute was discovered dumped near Hackett Creek in Nunierra, 72 kilometres north of Mullewa, on Monday afternoon. The vehicle had fuel in the tank, its windows down, and alcohol and medication inside.
Giles allegedly shot his partner Tanya in the hand with a firearm on January 7, prompting a police lockdown of the rural town. He has not been seen or heard from since.
Midwest Gascoyne Superintendent Neil Vanderplank said heavy rainfall from ex-Tropical Cyclone Mitchell had made the terrain difficult for search efforts, ruling out the use of tracker dogs. The police air wing unit has been deployed from Perth to assist with line searches near the vehicle's location.
Superintendent Vanderplank noted the presence of wild animals in the area, including wild pigs, and said it was possible Giles could be deceased, though there was no evidence to suggest that. He added that police were in contact with Giles's family, who had mixed feelings about the discovery due to the uncertainty.
Police have urged the public to contact Crime Stoppers with any information, stating that public tips have been invaluable. They continue to search pastoral stations and houses, aware that Giles is familiar with the bushland from his upbringing in the area.
