In connection with the disappearance of the young Belgian Théo Hayez in Australia – the facts of which date back to May 2019 – Australian media let it be known today that the cap found by volunteers last July will finally be subject to DNA testing. Last July, volunteers who participated in the research of the young Belgian discovered a Puma brand cap near the last place where Théo Hayez was spotted.
Hair, two in number, had been found in the cap. Théo Hayez’s family is surprised that the DNA tests are only being carried out now. The results will indicate whether the headgear found is that of Théo Hayez or not.
Summary of the facts, 8 months after the young man’s disappearance
Late 2018 – Arrival of Belgian Théo Hayez (18) in Australia with a Working Holiday visa
May 29 – Arrival of Théo Hayez in Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia His accommodation at the Wake Up! Hotel, facing Belongil beach, is scheduled until June 3 –
May 31st – 7:45 pm Théo Hayez is visible on a video from a surveillance camera of a wine merchant, Nothern Bottle Store, making a purchase. He is accompanied by a young man (questioned by the police during the investigation and not worried).
May 31st -23h00 Théo Hayez is seen for the last time at the exit of the Cheeky Monkeys nightclub, a video from a surveillance camera filmed his exit. We see him walking by manipulating his cell phone. He was asked to leave the facility due to his intoxication but did not resist.
June 1st – shortly before 02:00 The young man’s mobile phone, OPPO R17, is bounded for the last time not far from the Byron Bay lighthouse. He was previously in touch with relatives by instant messaging service, including WhatsApp. No communication has been recorded since. – June 3 Théo Hayez had to vacate his hotel room, to go to Melbourne (Victoria) and take a flight there ten days later to Belgium.
June 6 – The disappearance of Théo Hayez is communicated to the Australian police. His personal effects, including his passport, were found intact in the hotel room. A wanted notice was issued in Australia and police searches were started. They are supported by volunteers, rescue workers Surf Life Saving and Marine Rescue. The police call for all reports. No financial transactions have been noted since May 31.
June 8 – The Belgian embassy in Canberra confirms that it is in close contact with the Australian police.
June 10 – Australian police broadcast the surveillance camera video of the Cheeky Monkeys’ exit and call on any image filmed by on-board cameras and private surveillance between 23:00 on May 31 and 04:00 on June 1. A crowdfunding page has been launched to help move the family of the disappeared to Australia. Unused funds are promised to associations, Belgian and Australian, of missing persons.
June 12 – The Belgian federal police are launching a wanted notice. Australian police use drones and lifeguards at sea to conduct searches near Belongil Beach.
June 17 – Laurent Hayez, Théo Hayez’s father, is present in Byron Bay and addresses the media during a joint press conference with the police. He says he is “baffled”. Mr. Hayez launches a call to WhatsApp messaging to collaborate in the investigation, which agrees to provide assistance while the data is encrypted. The company can view certain data such as user name, IP address and last activity. Australian police are broadcasting a new video by Théo Hayez, that of the evening of May 31 during his visit to the liquor store. Detectives specializing in homicides come to the aid of investigators.
June 18 – The searches are moving towards the lighthouse of Byron Bay, in particular to find the telephone of the young man whose description is communicated to the volunteers who continue to contribute to the beatings and excavations. During the following days, climbers and divers are associated with police searches.
21st of June – The physical searches of Australian police officers are interrupted during the weekend and the bad weather does not allow them to be pursued the following days. The Byron Bay community remains very mobilized, with the pursuit of research and distribution of research notices.
June 26 – Announcement that three Belgian police officers will travel to Byron Bay: two investigators from the Hal-Vilvorde federal judicial police and one from the cell for missing persons.
June 28 – Arrival of the three Belgian police officers who meet their Australian counterparts and the Hayez family before continuing the collaboration on site until July 3.
July 03 – Australian police put an end to the physical search mission in connection with the disappearance of Théo Hayez. The volunteers continue their independent searches.
Mid-July – A cap similar to the one worn by Théo Hayez was found by the volunteers during searches carried out near the Byron Bay lighthouse. The headgear is subjected to DNA tests without the results having yet been communicated.
September 16 – The file of the disappearance is confirmed and transmitted by the investigators to the Coroner of New South Wales, officer of justice.
– .
