A 65-year-old man who disappeared from his home has been discovered shot to death and buried in a shallow grave on his own rural property.
Last Known Movements
Richard Wills was last seen leaving his residence in Ouyen, located approximately 450 kilometers northwest of Melbourne near the South Australian border, on Sunday morning. He headed to his farm on the Mallee Highway around 8 a.m. as part of his regular routine.
Family members grew concerned when he did not return for lunch. They searched the property but found no trace of him. His wife reported him missing to authorities on Monday morning.
Body Recovery
During a police search on Tuesday afternoon at about 1:30 p.m., officers located Wills’ body in a shallow grave on the farm. He had been fatally shot.
Police Investigation and Appeal
“Sadly, Richard has clearly met with foul play,” stated Detective Senior Sergeant Steve Trewavas of the Missing Persons Squad. “What is still unclear is exactly who was involved, and why.”
Investigators urge anyone with information about the circumstances surrounding his death or those responsible to come forward. Contact can be made anonymously through Crime Stoppers. Those who saw Wills on Easter Sunday are particularly encouraged to assist.
A press conference is scheduled for Saturday in Ouyen to provide updates on the case.
