Topline: Police reveal the suspect in the disappearance of Gus Lamont had lived at the boy’s family rural ranch.
Published: February 10, 2026 7:14 am ET
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August “Gus” Lamont (via SAPOL)
YUNTA, AU — South Australia Police identified a resident of a remote sheep station as a suspect in the disappearance of 4-year-old August “Gus” Lamont.
During a press conference on Feb. 5, Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke of the Major Crime Investigation Branch said the case has been declared a major crime. He stated a person living at Oak Park Station withdrew cooperation from the investigation, leading police to label them a suspect.
The child was last seen Sept. 27, 2025, while playing at his family’s farm, according to a news release. The property is located about 25 miles south of Yunta in the South Australia outback.
As reported by People magazine, Gus disappeared while playing in the sand at the family sheep farm. Fielke emphasized that Gus’ parents are not suspects in the disappearance.
Family members provided information to help police establish a timeline of the boy’s movements. Investigators identified several inconsistencies and discrepancies during the five-month investigation.
Police executed a search warrant at the rural property this January. Officers seized a vehicle, a motorcycle and electronic devices during that search, according to Fielke.
The suspect was identified after they stopped supporting the police effort. “A person who resides at Oak Park Station has withdrawn their support for the police and is no longer cooperating with us,” Fielke said during the conference.
Authorities mounted an extensive search around Oak Park Station, deploying 163 police officers and 230 additional personnel. The State Emergency Service and Australian Defence Force joined the effort, along with an Indigenous tracker and community volunteers.
Crews examined three dams and six mine shafts near the property, while aerial surveillance covered wide sections of the surrounding area. Despite the scale of the operation, Fielke said investigators found no evidence indicating the boy left on his own.
Authorities investigated two separate leads during the operation. One focused on the possibility of an abduction by a stranger, while the other examined if someone known to the boy was involved. Task Force Horizon investigators found no evidence to suggest a stranger abducted the child.
The investigation is now focused on the boy’s disappearance and suspected death. Fielke said he expects further searches at Oak Park Station and an adjacent national park.
These searches will proceed as investigators gather new intelligence. The officer said Task Force Horizon will continue to investigate the disappearance to find a resolution.
He said the team remains determined to locate the boy and return him to his parents. Police described the disappearance of any child as tragic for the parents and the community.
“I can reassure the community that despite the complex and challenging nature of the investigation, Task Force Horizon will continue to thoroughly and meticulously investigate the disappearance of Gus until we get a resolution,” Fielke said.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
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Australian Police ID Suspect in Gus Lamont’s Disappearance
Police reveal the suspect in the disappearance of Gus Lamont had lived at the boy’s family rural ranch.
By Kate Byrd
Published: February 10, 2026 7:14 am ET
August “Gus” Lamont (via SAPOL)
YUNTA, AU — South Australia Police identified a resident of a remote sheep station as a suspect in the disappearance of 4-year-old August “Gus” Lamont.
During a press conference on Feb. 5, Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke of the Major Crime Investigation Branch said the case has been declared a major crime. He stated a person living at Oak Park Station withdrew cooperation from the investigation, leading police to label them a suspect.
The child was last seen Sept. 27, 2025, while playing at his family’s farm, according to a news release. The property is located about 25 miles south of Yunta in the South Australia outback.
As reported by People magazine, Gus disappeared while playing in the sand at the family sheep farm. Fielke emphasized that Gus’ parents are not suspects in the disappearance.
Family members provided information to help police establish a timeline of the boy’s movements. Investigators identified several inconsistencies and discrepancies during the five-month investigation.
Police executed a search warrant at the rural property this January. Officers seized a vehicle, a motorcycle and electronic devices during that search, according to Fielke.
The suspect was identified after they stopped supporting the police effort. “A person who resides at Oak Park Station has withdrawn their support for the police and is no longer cooperating with us,” Fielke said during the conference.
Authorities mounted an extensive search around Oak Park Station, deploying 163 police officers and 230 additional personnel. The State Emergency Service and Australian Defence Force joined the effort, along with an Indigenous tracker and community volunteers.
Crews examined three dams and six mine shafts near the property, while aerial surveillance covered wide sections of the surrounding area. Despite the scale of the operation, Fielke said investigators found no evidence indicating the boy left on his own.
Authorities investigated two separate leads during the operation. One focused on the possibility of an abduction by a stranger, while the other examined if someone known to the boy was involved. Task Force Horizon investigators found no evidence to suggest a stranger abducted the child.
The investigation is now focused on the boy’s disappearance and suspected death. Fielke said he expects further searches at Oak Park Station and an adjacent national park.
These searches will proceed as investigators gather new intelligence. The officer said Task Force Horizon will continue to investigate the disappearance to find a resolution.
He said the team remains determined to locate the boy and return him to his parents. Police described the disappearance of any child as tragic for the parents and the community.
“I can reassure the community that despite the complex and challenging nature of the investigation, Task Force Horizon will continue to thoroughly and meticulously investigate the disappearance of Gus until we get a resolution,” Fielke said.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
Must Read
Editor Picks
Latest Articles
Australian Police ID Suspect in Gus Lamont’s Disappearance
Police reveal the suspect in the disappearance of Gus Lamont had lived at the boy’s family rural ranch.
By Kate Byrd
Published: February 10, 2026 7:14 am ET
August “Gus” Lamont (via SAPOL)
YUNTA, AU — South Australia Police identified a resident of a remote sheep station as a suspect in the disappearance of 4-year-old August “Gus” Lamont.
During a press conference on Feb. 5, Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke of the Major Crime Investigation Branch said the case has been declared a major crime. He stated a person living at Oak Park Station withdrew cooperation from the investigation, leading police to label them a suspect.
The child was last seen Sept. 27, 2025, while playing at his family’s farm, according to a news release. The property is located about 25 miles south of Yunta in the South Australia outback.
As reported by People magazine, Gus disappeared while playing in the sand at the family sheep farm. Fielke emphasized that Gus’ parents are not suspects in the disappearance.
Family members provided information to help police establish a timeline of the boy’s movements. Investigators identified several inconsistencies and discrepancies during the five-month investigation.
Police executed a search warrant at the rural property this January. Officers seized a vehicle, a motorcycle and electronic devices during that search, according to Fielke.
The suspect was identified after they stopped supporting the police effort. “A person who resides at Oak Park Station has withdrawn their support for the police and is no longer cooperating with us,” Fielke said during the conference.
Authorities mounted an extensive search around Oak Park Station, deploying 163 police officers and 230 additional personnel. The State Emergency Service and Australian Defence Force joined the effort, along with an Indigenous tracker and community volunteers.
Crews examined three dams and six mine shafts near the property, while aerial surveillance covered wide sections of the surrounding area. Despite the scale of the operation, Fielke said investigators found no evidence indicating the boy left on his own.
Authorities investigated two separate leads during the operation. One focused on the possibility of an abduction by a stranger, while the other examined if someone known to the boy was involved. Task Force Horizon investigators found no evidence to suggest a stranger abducted the child.
The investigation is now focused on the boy’s disappearance and suspected death. Fielke said he expects further searches at Oak Park Station and an adjacent national park.
These searches will proceed as investigators gather new intelligence. The officer said Task Force Horizon will continue to investigate the disappearance to find a resolution.
He said the team remains determined to locate the boy and return him to his parents. Police described the disappearance of any child as tragic for the parents and the community.
“I can reassure the community that despite the complex and challenging nature of the investigation, Task Force Horizon will continue to thoroughly and meticulously investigate the disappearance of Gus until we get a resolution,” Fielke said.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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