Australia AUSTRALIA - 4YO AUGUST (GUS) Missing from rural family home in Outback, Yunta, South Australia, 27th Sept 2025

[jepop]

<modsnip: Quoted post was removed>

I would take it with a grain of salt that the gun was actually "pulled' on the trespassing journalist, as opposed to Josie simply carrying it at the time, then waving it as she told the ,,'journalist' to go. One thing to know, if this isn't obvious from the subsequent so called 'report, is that DM writes headlines for clicks, not truth.

No respected journalist would make the kind of efforts that the tabloid DM does to disrespect a grieving family's wishes and trespass on their property.

 

[ChatteringBirds]

Taking out a weapon is not okay. That said, the family has requested specifically for media to leave them in peace. Any media organization failing to do so should be ashamed. The article even mentions the suffering of the family right now. Leave them alone!!

 

[Dotta]

Seems to have a short fuse imo either that or is sick of reporters knocking and DM knocking was the last straw.

I would guess the former...
judging by arguments with Gus's bio father - as was reported.

What exactly is this pump action gun used for?
Hunting?
Does a person need a permit to own such a gun?

I ask as I come from a country where all kinds of guns need permits.
There are very strict regulations.

JMO

 

[jessicalouise]

I would guess the former...
judging by arguments with Gus's bio father - as was reported.

What exactly is this pump action gun used for?
Hunting?
Does a person need a permit to own such a gun?

Pest control and hunting I'd imagine. You definitely need a permit for any type of firearm. Farmers are granted them for these purposes.

 

[Mauig’ma]

Gus Lamont's grandmother waves pump-action shotgun at reporter

Daily Mail went to speak to Josie Murray on Wednesday afternoon but after we offered our sympathies to the family, she waved a gun.

www.dailymail.co.uk

<modsnip: Name calling not allowed.>
That’s crazy!! Trespassing or not that’s insane

 

[Sillybilly]

How is it not relevant? I'd imagine they're using it to differentiate between the two grandmothers.

Also, you cant pull a gun on someone. That's ridiculous. There are better ways to handle it.

The only things anyone needs to differentiate is that their names are Josie and Shannon. Period.

We have no control over how the Daily Mail or other publications word their articles, but we do have a mega say in how members discuss matters at Websleuths.

Please leave the trans references out of this discussion. Thank you.

 

[Sillybilly]

ADMIN NOTE:

Some members are either not reading our instructions or are simply ignoring them. Those who choose to do either may find themselves experiencing a temporary or permanent loss of posting privileges.

As posted earlier in this discussion:

Thread is open again.

from: The Rules: Etiquette & Information

RACE/SEX/POLITICS/RELIGION BASHING, ETC

Threads or posts promoting or expressing intolerant views toward a particular social group are prohibited. Introducing social justice/injustice issues such as race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, politics, gun control, capital punishment into a discussion is not allowed.

When an approved source contains something that is not allowed at Websleuths, the source is still allowed, just not discussion of what is off limits here at Websleuths.

Next member to bring up gender will find themselves on a thread ban.

Post accordingly !!

Thank you.

 

[Andreee]

I can imagine he'd seen it, knew where it was, it was warm weather and he wanted to paddle or swim in it. Perhaps he knew it wasn't allowed so went off on his own. Absolutely the sort of thing I can imagine doing as a kid tbh

Yes, I still am of the mind that this is a missing child who wandered off and has not been found yet. (despite all the alternate theories that have come up)

 

[Andreee]

<modsnip> That’s crazy!! Trespassing or not that’s insane

I have come to abhor the DM and their inflammatory articles. I won't quote them for the most part, although I have to admit I do sometimes.

 

[SouthAussie]

<modsnip: Quoted post was removed>

I would take it with a grain of salt that the gun was actually "pulled' on the trespassing journalist, as opposed to Josie simply carrying it at the time, then waving it as she told the ,,'journalist' to go. One thing to know, if this isn't obvious from the subsequent so called 'report, is that DM writes headlines for clicks, not truth.

No respected journalist would make the kind of efforts that the tabloid DM does to disrespect a grieving family's wishes and trespass on their property.

Maybe the family will have the DM reporter charged.


The Summary Offences Act 1953 (SA) states the different situations in which a person can become guilty of trespassing. According to Section 17A of the Summary Offences Act 1953 (SA), a person can be guilty of a crime when they trespass into premises belonging to another individual. Premises mean land, building, or any structure. It could also be a vehicle, aircraft, ship, or boat.

Trespassing into premises attracts a maximum of $2,500 fine or six months imprisonment. But, if it is primary production premises, the penalty would be a fine of $5,000 or six months imprisonment.

Trespass Offences and Penalties in South Australia (SA)

 

[Lady-J]

It's been stated he had a shovel ,could he have had a bucket or gone to get a bucket to get water and fell in

Did he have a shovel? I never read this

 

[Total_C]

Maybe the family will have the DM reporter charged.


The Summary Offences Act 1953 (SA) states the different situations in which a person can become guilty of trespassing. According to Section 17A of the Summary Offences Act 1953 (SA), a person can be guilty of a crime when they trespass into premises belonging to another individual. Premises mean land, building, or any structure. It could also be a vehicle, aircraft, ship, or boat.

Trespassing into premises attracts a maximum of $2,500 fine or six months imprisonment. But, if it is primary production premises, the penalty would be a fine of $5,000 or six months imprisonment.

Trespass Offences and Penalties in South Australia (SA)

My understanding is that in South Australia a person is only committing criminal trespass if they refuse to leave after being asked to do so.

There is an implied licence for someone to approach a residence for legitimate reasons, for example a courier, someone selling something, or a journalist making an enquiry. If they are asked to leave and they are already walking away, they are generally not looked at as trespassing in a criminal sense because they are complying.

Also my understanding is that threatening someone with a firearm can be treated separately under SA law if the behaviour creates a reasonable fear of harm. Trespass does not automatically justify that level of force.

Source

 

[SouthAussie]

There is an implied licence for someone to approach a residence for legitimate reasons, for example a courier, someone selling something, or a journalist making an enquiry. If they are asked to leave and they are already walking away, they are generally not looked at as trespassing in a criminal sense because they are complying.

Advance warning from SAPOL.

And I am pretty sure that a sheep station homesteader can carry their registered firearm on their property. Note that there are no photos in the DM article of Josie "waving it around". Just holding it down by their side.

"The family has asked that media representatives do not enter their property." SAPOL

 

[Total_C]

Advance warning from SAPOL.

And I am pretty sure that a sheep station homesteader can carry their registered firearm on their property. Note that there are no photos in the DM article of Josie "waving it around". Just holding it down by their side.

"The family has asked that media representatives do not enter their property." SAPOL

How do we know this specific reporter ever saw the SAPOL advisory?

Are police advisories legally binding on private individuals?

And are police considered the “authorised person” for the purpose of revoking implied licence on private property, or does that require the property owner communicating it directly?

Also, after watching the video, the firearm isn’t just being carried. It’s lifted up and gestured with while yelling for the person to leave. I’m not making a legal conclusion on it, but to me it looks like the gun is being used as part of directing someone off the property, not simply being held.

 

[BreakingNews]

I'm hoping they figured out a way to preserve most of that water. Maybe a bunch of large trucks that could replenish the dam after the search?

My thoughts exactly. All that precious water. I hope they have lots of big buckets. However finding gorgeous little Gus is more important. Police don't drain these dams for no reason.

 

[spiritualdreaming]

My understanding is that in South Australia a person is only committing criminal trespass if they refuse to leave after being asked to do so.

There is an implied licence for someone to approach a residence for legitimate reasons, for example a courier, someone selling something, or a journalist making an enquiry. If they are asked to leave and they are already walking away, they are generally not looked at as trespassing in a criminal sense because they are complying.

Also my understanding is that threatening someone with a firearm can be treated separately under SA law if the behaviour creates a reasonable fear of harm. Trespass does not automatically justify that level of force.

View attachment 622547

Source

I personally understand how frustrating and intimadating media can be, I've been through it all when my sister was murdered. Their constantly there, constantly asking questions, constantly having cameras on you and it does make the grieving process so much harder to cope with. But pulling a gun is just next level. At the end of the day DM are just doing their job, having a gun pulled on them is just not acceptable in any way or form IMO

 

[SouthAussie]

At the end of the day DM are just doing their job ....

They would be doing their job a lot better if they honoured the published police warning. This was a so-called "Senior Reporter" who trespassed.

I am also pretty sure in a video about the case that I saw a sign saying "Keep Out" on one of the property gates. It didn't say "Keep Out (except the DM)" ... if I see the sign/video again I will link it.

imo

 

[su5ie]

Did he have a shovel? I never read this

Yes , it was in the first few reports on this thread page 1to 3 I think

 

[spiritualdreaming]

How do we know this specific reporter ever saw the SAPOL advisory?

Are police advisories legally binding on private individuals?

And are police considered the “authorised person” for the purpose of revoking implied licence on private property, or does that require the property owner communicating it directly?

Also, after watching the video, the firearm isn’t just being carried. It’s lifted up and gestured with while yelling for the person to leave. I’m not making a legal conclusion on it, but to me it looks like the gun is being used as part of directing someone off the property, not simply being held.

It was most definitely lifted and gestured towards the people and with bullets in the other hand. A pretty hairy moment, I think DM and other media outlets might think twice now on how they approach the Murray family.

 

[BreakingNews]

This is where I am conflicted & lost.
I thought Mom & baby Ronnie were going on a walk when Gus disappeared. ???

Imo jmo moo

I never heard that before.