source : the age
Police are investigating the suspicious death of a farmer in Victoria’s north-west after he was shot dead and buried in a shallow grave on his farm near Mildura.
Richard Wills was last seen leaving his home in Hugh Street, Ouyen, a small community 440 kilometres from Melbourne and south of Mildura, about 8am last Sunday.
Investigators say the 65-year-old went to work on his farm, a large rural property about eight kilometres away along the Mallee Highway, as was his usual routine.
However, he failed to return home for Easter Sunday lunch, which raised the alarm among his loved ones, who started searching the property later that day.
After Wills failed to return home that night his wife, Donna Wills, reported him missing to police on Monday.
Wills’ body was found during a police-assisted search of the property on Tuesday. Investigators believe he was shot and buried in a shallow grave.
On social media, his heartbroken daughter Kayla Phillips described her father’s death as “another nightmare we don’t get to wake up from”, having lost her sister 10 years ago.
“For those that don’t know, our beautiful Dad has been found. It is not the outcome we had hoped for, and we are in shock and disbelief,” the post read.
“We have a long road ahead awhile we wait for answers as to what has happened. We feel held, loved and supported by all of our friends/family near and far.”
On Saturday, police issued a plea for information about Wills’ death.
While Wills was missing, police said they held concerns for his welfare, as his disappearance was extremely out of character. He was last seen wearing a yellow high-vis long-sleeve top and a dark-coloured cap.
Detective Senior Sergeant Steve Trewavas, from the missing persons squad, said it was unclear who was involved in the farmer’s death and why.
“Sadly, Richard has clearly met with foul play,” Trewavas said.
“We’re hoping that this appeal leads to someone coming forward and doing the right thing – it can be done anonymously – so that we can hold those responsible to account.”
Police are urging anyone who saw Wills last Sunday or who has information about his death to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an anonymous report at www.crimestoppersvic.gov.au.
Be the first to know when major news happens. Sign up for breaking news alerts on email or turn on notifications in the app.
Marta Pascual Juanola is an investigative journalist at The Age. Before that, she was a crime and justice reporter. You can contact her securely via m.pascualjuanola@proton.me or Signal on +61 468 688 436.Connect via X or email.
