Victorian Farmer Found Shot Dead and Buried on His Own Property
Police in Victoria are urgently appealing for public information after the body of 65-year-old Richard Wills was discovered shot dead and buried in a shallow grave on his rural farm near Ouyen, close to the South Australian border. The grim discovery was made on Tuesday afternoon, following a two-day search after Mr Wills failed to return home from work.
Details of the Tragic Discovery
Richard Wills, a father-of-five, was last seen leaving his home on Sunday morning as part of his normal routine to work on his 650-hectare share-cropping and livestock farm along the Mallee Highway. His wife, Donna, reported him missing on Monday when he did not come home for lunch, prompting family members to scour the property without success.
Donna Wills, who had been married to Richard for 32 years, expressed her shock and grief, describing her husband as a kind-hearted workaholic. "He just kissed me goodbye. I thought I'd see him at lunchtime," she told reporters during a police appeal in Ouyen. She initially thought he might have had vehicle trouble with a friend, but the reality was far more sinister.
Police Investigation and Evidence
Detective Senior Sergeant Steve Trewavas from the Missing Persons Squad confirmed that Mr Wills had met with foul play, with evidence suggesting he was dragged behind a vehicle before being fatally shot. "This is a vicious killing," he stated, adding that while it is suspected Mr Wills knew his killer, the exact motives and identities remain unclear.
Authorities are urging anyone who saw Richard Wills on April 5 or has any information related to his death to come forward immediately. The investigation is ongoing, with police treating the case as a targeted homicide.
Separate Shooting Incident in Melbourne
In a related development, Victorian detectives have charged a 47-year-old man with murder following a targeted shooting at an apartment tower in Box Hill, Melbourne's east. A 32-year-old man died early on Thursday after an alleged altercation, leading to the arrest of the suspect and two others who were released pending further inquiries.
This incident underscores a broader concern about violent crimes in the region, though police have not linked it directly to the farm murder in Ouyen.
The community is reeling from these events, with local residents and authorities calling for vigilance and cooperation to bring the perpetrators to justice.
