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

[Wexford]

I didn't see the weapon waved--the grip was changed once--but I agree that showing it was intended as threatening. I think it was a measured performance, that Josie knew exactly what she could legally do and she went right up to that line and didn't cross it.

Agree on all points. 'offering their sympathies' is also complete BS. We know why they are there. Not to mention this is a working farm and they can and often do refuse to have anyone enter for infection control reasons amongst others.
I don't own a gun but I think if it were me under the circumstances I might also do something that would give them the distinct impression they are not welcome as they obviously haven't got the message previously. I might release the hounds.
Also pretty sure there are some code of ethics around entering properties for journalists. Not to mention health and safety and a duty of care.

 

[jepop]

That didn't happen. The shotgun was pointed at the ground, straight up (vertically) in the air for a moment, then back at the ground. And Josie's hand was nowhere near the trigger. It was further up on the rifle.

https://www.tiktok.com/video/7567166913193741585

The Daily Mail is the starting point that kicks off misinformation Imo. That is not a rarity for this outlet jmo. In this case, it begins with the falsity that the gun was "pulled" on their journalist. Moo

Luckily the SA police Commissioner was on to it and has the wherewithal to support the victims by publicly correcting this misinformation. Jmo

 

[spiritualdreaming]

Well Gus isn't in the dam. So where is he??


Police, with the assistance of SES, have drained and searched a dam on a property in the State’s Mid North, however, there has been no sign of missing four-year-old Gus.
Police, including Major Crime and Water Operations Unit, along with SES attended the property this morning.

The operation to drain the main dam into the southern dam commenced at 9.15am today. It took about three and a half hours to drain the large dam, pumping water at approximately 15,000 litres per minute. A total of 3.2 million litres of water was removed from the dam.

Police divers have thoroughly searched the main dam and the holding dam, including clearing of weed beds, however, there was nothing of significance found.

The 3.2 million litres of water was then pumped back into the dam, with very little loss of water in the process.

Police thank SES for their invaluable assistance in this operation.

Dam search complete near Yunta

Police, with the assistance of SES, have drained and searched a dam on a property in the State’s Mid North, however, there has been no sign of missing four-year-old Gus.

www.police.sa.gov.au

 

[Marg944]

I just watched a news video of the South Australian Deputy Police Commissioner, Linda Williams, giving an update on the shotgun matter, and very oddly, there is a beard shaving extravaganza happening behind the Deputy Commissioner. It was a news video on YouTube but I now can’t find the link. I will keep searching for the link, and post it, but I am in wonder at such a news scene.

 

[kiwi50]

Well Gus isn't in the dam. So where is he??


Police, with the assistance of SES, have drained and searched a dam on a property in the State’s Mid North, however, there has been no sign of missing four-year-old Gus.
Police, including Major Crime and Water Operations Unit, along with SES attended the property this morning.

The operation to drain the main dam into the southern dam commenced at 9.15am today. It took about three and a half hours to drain the large dam, pumping water at approximately 15,000 litres per minute. A total of 3.2 million litres of water was removed from the dam.

Police divers have thoroughly searched the main dam and the holding dam, including clearing of weed beds, however, there was nothing of significance found.

The 3.2 million litres of water was then pumped back into the dam, with very little loss of water in the process.

Police thank SES for their invaluable assistance in this operation.

Dam search complete near Yunta

Police, with the assistance of SES, have drained and searched a dam on a property in the State’s Mid North, however, there has been no sign of missing four-year-old Gus.

www.police.sa.gov.au

Wow that was quick, do they actually look at the water that was pumped out, or just look at the bottom.

 

[SouthAussie]

I just watched a news video of the South Australian Deputy Police Commissioner, Linda Williams, giving an update on the shotgun matter, and very oddly, there is a beard shaving extravaganza happening behind the Deputy Commissioner. It was a news video on YouTube but I now can’t find the link. I will keep searching for the link, and post it, but I am in wonder at such a news scene.

View attachment 622615


View attachment 622616

I am guessing that she was speaking at the event when she was asked about Gus (or whatever was related to Gus).


Today, South Australia Police (SAPOL) launched their 2025 support for Movember hosting the Great Emergency Services Shave Down.

Held at the SAPOL Academy, the event helped raise awareness of men's health issues that impact emergency service workers and the community they help, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and men's suicide.

SAPOL cadets, police, volunteers, and guests were onsite gaining vital information, sharing experiences, and participating in preparations for a momentous month of moustache growing.

Local barber, The Mad Barber shaved clean several faces, while others enjoyed a big barbecue by sponsor Police Credit Union, emergency service vehicles were on display, as well as the comical antics of emergency service mascots.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Linda Williams encouraged first responders across the state to get involved to help raise awareness of men’s health issues.

Close shaves as police get ready for Movember 2025

Today, South Australia Police (SAPOL) launched their 2025 support for Movember hosting the Great Emergency Services Shave Down.

www.police.sa.gov.au

 

[spiritualdreaming]

Wow that was quick, do they actually look at the water that was pumped out, or just look at the bottom.

Just looked at the bottom it seems and pulled weed out to have a thorough look. At least they got a free dam clean.

 

[Marg944]

I am guessing that she was speaking at the event when she was asked about Gus (or whatever was related to Gus).


Today, South Australia Police (SAPOL) launched their 2025 support for Movember hosting the Great Emergency Services Shave Down.

Held at the SAPOL Academy, the event helped raise awareness of men's health issues that impact emergency service workers and the community they help, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and men's suicide.

SAPOL cadets, police, volunteers, and guests were onsite gaining vital information, sharing experiences, and participating in preparations for a momentous month of moustache growing.

Local barber, The Mad Barber shaved clean several faces, while others enjoyed a big barbecue by sponsor Police Credit Union, emergency service vehicles were on display, as well as the comical antics of emergency service mascots.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Linda Williams encouraged first responders across the state to get involved to help raise awareness of men’s health issues.

Close shaves as police get ready for Movember 2025

Today, South Australia Police (SAPOL) launched their 2025 support for Movember hosting the Great Emergency Services Shave Down.

www.police.sa.gov.au

Ahh yes. Thank you SA. That would be the answer. The video I saw was only about the search for Gus and about the dam being emptied and trucks holding the water, and eventually went on to cover the shotgun topic. I think the video went for about 5 mins. I still can’t find it, but thanks for clearing up that shaving in the background!

A very good sleuther friend found the link for me…..

 

[Marg944]

Gus Lamont: Dam drained in vain as search for missing outback boy continues​

Mystery deepens in search for missing outback boy as cops finish draining dam

Specialised police and trackers have been looking for Gus Lamont since September 27.

7news.com.au

 

[SouthAussie]

Ahh yes. Thank you SA. That would be the answer. The video I saw was only about the search for Gus and about the dam being emptied and trucks holding the water, and eventually went on to cover the shotgun topic. I think the video went for about 5 mins. I still can’t find it, but thanks for clearing up that shaving in the background!

A very good sleuther friend found the link for me…..

Sounds like the Deputy Commissioner gave the DM a big serve .... "unlawfully going on to private property" ... "despite all of the warnings we have given to the media".

Seems as if the reporters took the opportunity to ask a bunch of things, because at the end of your posted segment a reporter asked about the review into James Vlassakis' parole decision.

imo

 

[Total_C]

I have to be honest, the official explanation has left me genuinely puzzled. We are now being asked to accept that a pump-action shotgun, raised and visible during a heated verbal exchange, was simply present for “snake control.” That interpretation is extremely hard to reconcile with what the footage shows. It did not look like calm wildlife management. It looked like someone who was angry, armed and making sure the other party saw the firearm while being told to leave.

You can fully support a family going through unimaginable stress and still acknowledge that this behaviour is alarming in any context, especially one involving a missing child and another child still living on the property. In any suburban setting in Australia, this would prompt a very different law-enforcement response. It should not suddenly become acceptable because it happened rurally or because people dislike the media involved.

The public trusts what it sees. Being told, confidently and somewhat indignantly, that there was “no threatening intent” does not align with the visual evidence. That tone may have been meant to reassure, but instead it risks coming across as dismissive of legitimate concern. When explanations do not seem to match observable reality, public confidence naturally suffers.

Stepping back, if police are defending that framing so strongly, it suggests there may be constraints in what they can say publicly or complexities behind the scenes that we are not privy to. If that is the case, it would make sense why certain things are being handled delicately. But from the outside, it is difficult to reconcile the messaging with what people witnessed.

This situation is already unusual. Add in this latest development, and it is only becoming more so. I am hoping we eventually get clarity, because at the moment the gap between what we are told and what we can see is widening rather than narrowing.

 

[MIG214222]

Agree on all points. 'offering their sympathies' is also complete BS. We know why they are there. Not to mention this is a working farm and they can and often do refuse to have anyone enter for infection control reasons amongst others.
I don't own a gun but I think if it were me under the circumstances I might also do something that would give them the distinct impression they are not welcome as they obviously haven't got the message previously. I might release the hounds.
Also pretty sure there are some code of ethics around entering properties for journalists. Not to mention health and safety and a duty of care.

(Years ago, rural setting, not as remote as Yunta but...) I didn't have a missing child, the two farm men were away at a Royal show with horses & cattle; I was alone; a ute drove into the driveway, two men got out, before they'd taken two steps forward I was out on the concrete landing with two loaded shotguns, both ready to fire, I said in a very measured tone: I don't know who you are OR what you want, you have 5seconds to leave counting from now, they were gone in three.
Had they taken another step in my direction I would have peppered the ground around their feet - no hesitation!
When the farm guys returned a week later word had got around, a fire up the road had burnt out a neighbours house, people had been sent out to collect donations to help them recover from the disaster. When they went to JW's house there was a gun-toting-crazy-she-demon, so don't go there, she means business! LOL!!
M

 

[iamshadow21]

I have to be honest, the official explanation has left me genuinely puzzled. We are now being asked to accept that a pump-action shotgun, raised and visible during a heated verbal exchange, was simply present for “snake control.” That interpretation is extremely hard to reconcile with what the footage shows. It did not look like calm wildlife management. It looked like someone who was angry, armed and making sure the other party saw the firearm while being told to leave.

You can fully support a family going through unimaginable stress and still acknowledge that this behaviour is alarming in any context, especially one involving a missing child and another child still living on the property. In any suburban setting in Australia, this would prompt a very different law-enforcement response. It should not suddenly become acceptable because it happened rurally or because people dislike the media involved.

The public trusts what it sees. Being told, confidently and somewhat indignantly, that there was “no threatening intent” does not align with the visual evidence. That tone may have been meant to reassure, but instead it risks coming across as dismissive of legitimate concern. When explanations do not seem to match observable reality, public confidence naturally suffers.

Stepping back, if police are defending that framing so strongly, it suggests there may be constraints in what they can say publicly or complexities behind the scenes that we are not privy to. If that is the case, it would make sense why certain things are being handled delicately. But from the outside, it is difficult to reconcile the messaging with what people witnessed.

This situation is already unusual. Add in this latest development, and it is only becoming more so. I am hoping we eventually get clarity, because at the moment the gap between what we are told and what we can see is widening rather than narrowing.

If it's down to credibility, I would believe the SA police over the DM any day of the week.

We have strict gun control here, and various areas have been doing crack downs in recent months on sov citizens and rural folk who think they can do what they like.

If there was any hint whatsoever that there was improper use here, we would be getting a very different statement from LE.

That tells me that a) LE have seen the complete footage, b) they have listened to both sides in full, and c) the family's story matches the events, and the DM's version stinks like week old fish guts.

MOO

 

[jepop]

I just watched a news video of the South Australian Deputy Police Commissioner, Linda Williams, giving an update on the shotgun matter, and very oddly, there is a beard shaving extravaganza happening behind the Deputy Commissioner. It was a news video on YouTube but I now can’t find the link. I will keep searching for the link, and post it, but I am in wonder at such a news scene.

View attachment 622615


View attachment 622616

Just quickly....Probably what's known as 'Mo-vember'. Not too familiar with it but I believe is an annual moustache growing event for the month of November (which includes beard shaving to leave only the mo) for charity. Attached source though haven't read it myself.

Movember - Changing the face of men's health

Unite to take on mental health, suicide, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.

au.movember.com

ETA, apologies for doubling up, I should have read ahead before responding.

 

[Warshawski]

Deputy Police Commissioner Linda Williams said on Friday that Ms Murray was using the gun to “dispatch a snake” and had no threatening intentions, and labelled the Daily Mail’s actions as “disgraceful”.

“My understanding is two members from the Daily Mail organisation, despite numerous warnings over numerous days and weeks … have gone on to private property,” she said.

Ms Williams warned the public to stay off private property.
“If this persists, then action will be taken, you will either be reported or arrested, this is completely disgraceful conduct,” she said.
Ms Williams said the actions of the homeowner had been assessed and no further action would be taken."

She said the people who approached the home were unlawfully on the property.
“I’d say you need to look at the behaviour of the people who entered that property unlawfully.”
SA Police has not said whether the Daily Mail team has been reported for trespassing.

https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-sa/grandmother-of-missing-fouryearold-gus-lamont-brandishes-shotgun-at-reporter/news-story/79dd05e96be7b447c0fe0d9c26adf4ee?amp

The Daily Mail has no respect for the family, they are intrusive and unethical imo and if they have been warned by police to keep off the property they are showing contempt for lawful direction.

I wonder does the Commissioner realise that snakes are protected by law in Australia. It is illegal for an unlicensed person to kill, injure, or capture them, except in cases of immediate self defence ( slithering on the veranda etc does not constitute a need for self defence as snakes here do not Attack) but they will bite if provoked.
So the rule is - if you come close to a snake, stand very still and let it pass.

 

[iamshadow21]

I wonder does the Commissioner realise that snakes are protected by law in Australia. It is illegal for an unlicensed person to kill, injure, or capture them, except in cases of immediate self defence ( slithering on the veranda etc does not constitute a need for self defence as snakes here do not Attack) but they will bite if provoked.
So the rule is - if you come close to a snake, stand very still and let it pass.

I'm sorry, but in a high traffic area like a verandah with people coming and going, including an infant, dogs, etc...

We can bang on all we like about animal rights, but to expect a farmer to call a snake wrangler like some person from the suburbs for a brown sunning itself on their doorstep is unrealistic.

In the country, the answer for a deadly snake taking up residence in your home's immediate vicinity when you're hours from medical help is a shotgun or a sharp, carefully wielded spade.

MOO

 

[SouthAussie]

I wonder does the Commissioner realise that snakes are protected by law in Australia. It is illegal for an unlicensed person to kill, injure, or capture them, except in cases of immediate self defence ( slithering on the veranda etc does not constitute a need for self defence as snakes here do not Attack) but they will bite if provoked.
So the rule is - if you come close to a snake, stand very still and let it pass.

There are actually 3 instances in which you can kill a snake. Causing reasonable anxiety is one of them.


National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972

Section 54(2) of the Act states that "It is lawful for any person without any permit or other authority under this Act, to kill any poisonous reptile that –
(a) has attacked, is attacking or is likely to attack, any person; or
(b) is in dangerous proximity to any person; or
(c) is, or has been, in such proximity to a person as to cause reasonable anxiety to that person

https://cdn.environment.sa.gov.au/environment/docs/venomous-snake-intervention-policy-gen.pdf

 

[TootsieFootsie]

Re the dam.
At least now the family and police know for sure that little Gus isn't in there.

So it was not a waste of resources to make sure

 

[Andreee]

Wow that was quick, do they actually look at the water that was pumped out, or just look at the bottom.

yes that does sound quick! I would think they would look at the bottom in the mud or silt if there is any, and look closely. What about the other third dam beside it, is it shallow enough to view without draining?

 

[Marg944]

Dam search complete near Yunta​

31 Oct 2025 3:51pm

Dam search complete near Yunta

Police, with the assistance of SES, have drained and searched a dam on a property in the State’s Mid North, however, there has been no sign of missing four-year-old Gus.

www.police.sa.gov.au