A 65-year-old man missing for two days turns up shot dead and buried in a shallow grave on his own rural property in Ouyen, located 450km northwest of Melbourne near the South Australian border.
Timeline of Disappearance
Richard Wills, 65, was last seen leaving his home in Ouyen on Sunday around 8 a.m. for his routine work on the farm along Mallee Highway. He failed to return for lunch, prompting family members to search the property without success. His wife reported him missing the following morning on Monday.
Police Discovery and Investigation
Officers located Wills’ body during a search around 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The discovery confirms he suffered a fatal gunshot wound before burial in the shallow grave.
Detective Senior Sergeant Steve Trewavas of the Missing Persons Squad stated, “Sadly, Richard has clearly met with foul play. What is still unclear is exactly who was involved, and why.”
Trewavas emphasized the need for public assistance: “We are very keen to speak to anyone who may have any knowledge of the circumstances which led to his death and who was responsible. We’re hoping that this appeal leads to someone coming forward and doing the right thing – it can be done anonymously – so that we can hold those responsible to account.”
Authorities urge anyone who saw Wills on Easter Sunday or has information about his death to contact Crime Stoppers. A press conference is scheduled for Saturday in Ouyen.
