Victorian police are appealing to the public for assistance following the suspicious death of a man who was shot and buried in the north-west of the state. Richard Wills, 65, was last seen on the morning of Sunday, April 5, as he left his home on Hughs Street in Ouyen, reportedly heading to work on his rural property along the Mallee Highway.
Concerns arose when Wills did not return for lunch, prompting his family to search the property. His wife subsequently reported him missing the following day, after he failed to come home. This led police to initiate a search of the area, resulting in the discovery of Wills’ body at around 1.30pm on April 7. Authorities confirmed he had been fatally shot and interred in a shallow grave on his farm.
Detective Senior Sergeant Steve Trewavas from the missing persons squad indicated that Wills was clearly a victim of foul play. He expressed the need for more information, stating that it remains unclear who was involved in this crime and the motive behind it. Trewavas urged anyone with information to come forward, emphasising that tips can be provided anonymously, as the police seek to bring those responsible to justice.