Dozens of calls pour in after $1 million reward announced for missing boy Gus Lamont
Dozens of calls and multiple emails have poured in after a $1 million reward for information on the disappearance of South Australian toddler Gus Lamont was announced.
Four-year-old Gus vanished from his family’s outback homestead Oak Park Station on September 27 last year, triggering the largest missing person’s search in SA history.
Gus Lamont was last seen by one of his grandmothers playing at the family's Oak Park Station on September 27. South Australia Police
Police on Wednesday offered an equally history-making reward of $1 million to anyone who provides information leading to the recovery of his body or a conviction.
The announcement was made ahead of the grim one-year anniversary of Gus’ disappearance.
Crime Stoppers has received 34 calls and two emails following news of the reward, SA Police confirmed.
A further nine calls were made to Crime Stoppers regarding the case in the week before the press conference.
“Task Force Horizon investigators are pleased with the response we have received so far,” SA Police Superintendent Darren Fielke said.
“All these reports are currently being assessed and will be investigated further where appropriate.”
Gus was reported as last seen playing on a mound of dirt about 5pm on September 27 at his family home, which is about 43 kilometres south of Yunta in South Australia.
Gus Lamont Nine
The large-scale search for Gus has expanded 700 square kilometres, with assistance from 80 Australian Defence Force soldiers, drones, mounted officers and aircraft.
Each search failed to find any trace of Gus.
More than 160 South Australian police officers have also been deployed, and authorities have received more than 150 tips about the missing boy since February.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said the introduction of a reward was a clear signal of how important the search for answers in Gus’ disappearance was to SA Police, but also the whole community.
Fielke said that police believe it is “unlikely” that Gus had wandered off or been abducted by a third party.
Investigative efforts are now focused on the theory that someone known to Gus has been involved in his disappearance and suspected death.
Gus Lamont’s parents Jess and Josh spoke on camera for the first time on Wednesday. SA Police
Gus Lamont’s parents break silence in emotional message
Gus’ parents Jess and Josh spoke to the public for the first time since their son’s disappearance in a pre-recorded message played to the media on Wednesday.
Jess spoke first, describing missing her son as the “most devastating and inexplicable event we have ever experienced”.
“We love him more than words can convey, and every single day without him has been incredibly difficult,” she said.
“Our heartache only grows as time passes and an entire year without any answers is upon us.”
His father Josh said he and his family are desperate for answers.
“We miss Gus more than we can describe. We are desperate to have him return home to us,” he said.
“We believe that someone knows something. Someone knows what happened to Gus and may even know where he is.”
Anyone with information relating to the disappearance of Gus Lamont is urged to contact Crime Stoppers or free call 1800 333 000.
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