Police intensify search for missing boy Gus Lamont at second homestead
South Australian police have ramped up their investigation into the disappearance of four-year-old August 'Gus' Lamont, with detectives and specialist teams now concentrating on a second homestead and shearing shed at the remote Oak Park Station. This marks a significant escalation in the near five-month search, as authorities bring in specially trained cadaver dogs to aid in the recovery efforts.
New focus areas and suspect identified
On Monday, Task Force Horizon detectives and search teams combed areas of interest on the Yunta station. By Tuesday, their attention shifted to a secondary homestead and a shearing shed, located kilometres from where Gus was last seen. Police have also identified a new focus point: the national park at the back of the sheep station, where they hope to recover the body of the missing child.
Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke revealed that investigators have uncovered inconsistencies and discrepancies in information provided by family members. A person residing at Oak Park Station, who has withdrawn support and is no longer cooperating with police, is now considered a suspect in Gus's disappearance. Police have stressed that this suspect is not either of Gus's parents.
Forensic search and community impact
A comprehensive forensic search of the main homestead has already been completed, resulting in the seizure of a vehicle, a motorcycle, and several electronic devices. The case has been formally declared a major crime, underscoring the seriousness of the investigation.
Gus was last seen on September 27, reportedly playing outside the main homestead while his grandmother cared for his younger brother inside. Despite one of the state's largest search operations—involving police, SES volunteers, Indigenous trackers, drones, and helicopters—no trace of the child has been found. The only confirmed physical clue remains a single footprint discovered about 500 meters from the property.
The tight-knit Yunta community, home to fewer than 100 residents, has remained united in grief and uncertainty as the search stretches into its fifth month. Detective Superintendent Fielke emphasized that nothing is off the table in the ongoing investigation.
Unrelated charges filed
In a separate development, Gus's grandparent, Josie Murray, 75, has been charged with firearms offences following Monday's activity at the station. Police have clarified that these charges are unrelated to Gus's disappearance and are also not linked to a separate incident involving media in October 2025. Murray has been bailed to appear in the Peterborough Magistrates Court in May.
