Police have returned to Oak Park Station in South Australia’s north-east to resume the search for four-year-old Gus Lamont, almost five months after he was reported missing. The renewed search began Monday, February 16, 2026, just eleven days after South Australian Police declared Gus’s disappearance a major crime and identified a suspect.
Gus was last seen at his family’s remote homestead on September 27, 2025. Initial searches focused on the possibility that he had wandered off and become lost, but the investigation shifted after police identified inconsistencies in statements provided by a person living at the station, according to Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke.
“We don’t believe now that Gus is alive,” Fielke stated on February 5, as reported by multiple news outlets. Police have confirmed that Gus’s grandparents, Josie and Shannon Murray, his mother, and a younger brother were present at Oak Park Station when he disappeared, but have stressed that his parents are not considered suspects.
The suspect, whose identity has not been released, reportedly withdrew cooperation with the investigation after being questioned. Police seized a vehicle, a motorcycle, and electronic devices from the property during searches conducted on January 14 and 15, for forensic examination.
The Murray family released a statement through their legal representatives earlier this month, expressing their devastation at the police’s announcement. “We are absolutely devastated by the media release of SAPOL Major Crime,” the statement read. “The family has co-operated fully with the investigation and desire nothing more than to locate Gus and reunite him with his mum and dad.”
Task Force Horizon, established in October 2025 to investigate Gus’s disappearance, is leading the current search. Police have indicated that officers will remain at Oak Park Station for at least two days, searching for evidence. An update on the search activities is expected as they progress, according to a statement released by South Australia Police.
Despite extensive ground and aerial searches covering nearly 500 square kilometers, and the involvement of hundreds of police and volunteers, no trace of Gus or any items belonging to him have been found.
