Homicide Allegation Issued in Two-Decade-Old Cold Case After Bones Found Hidden in South Australian Residential Property

Law enforcement have charged a man with murder, just hours following bones were found during a investigation for the body of a woman who disappeared more than two decades ago.

Breakthrough in Years-Old Investigation

This finding of human remains, thought to be those of a 39-year-old woman, concealed in the back yard of a residence in a regional town, South Australia, signaled a significant breakthrough in the long-dormant investigation.

Homicide detectives arrested and accused a 64-year-old Port Lincoln resident with the murder of Goodwin, who was last seen in July 2002.

Court Appearance

The suspect was scheduled to appear in Port Lincoln judicial court on Thursday.

Investigation Details

Earlier, authorities stated they had temporarily halted their search after the discovery of possible human remains at a Port Lincoln property during initial excavations.

An anthropologist from Forensic Science SA and extra personnel from the evidence collection section and major crime division travelled to the town to verify if the bones were of human origin and continue the dig.

Investigators had been using advanced radar equipment to examine a site on a local street, which is near Moonta Crescent, where the missing woman had lived.

Family’s Two-Decade Search

On Tuesday, a senior detective stated that it was “heartbreaking that Susan’s loved ones have spent the last twenty-three years without answers”.

Background

The victim was last seen around lunchtime on a July day in 2002, after shopping at local supermarkets in Port Lincoln.

Police had previously suggested she was killed “by someone who was very close to her” and suspect the killer still lives in the community.

In 2017, investigators revealed that a public appeal for information had resulted in seven potential suspects being cleared by the investigation.

A reward of up to two hundred thousand dollars is offered for information that results in the conviction of Goodwin’s killer and/or information that leads to the recovery of her remains.

Bradley Johnson
Bradley Johnson

A passionate curator and advocate for Australian artisans, dedicated to showcasing unique handmade creations.