Today, major crime investigators were observed examining a water tank and an outdoor shed situated on a sheep station owned by Gus’ family, roughly 30 kilometers west of Oak Park Station.
A cadaver dog was brought in from New South Wales to aid in the search operations.
The dog was led into a shearing shed and to an area that police noted had been covered with newly-poured concrete in the months following Gus’ disappearance.
Helicopters were deployed to drop officers at specific sites, including mine shafts that were pinpointed using artificial intelligence (AI) mapping.
Task Force Horizon detectives revisited the residence yesterday to launch a new two-day search for potential evidence.
The search is anticipated to conclude today.
No evidence of Gus has been uncovered at any of the search sites.
There is no suggestion the sheep station is linked to Gus’ disappearance.
A full-scale ground and air search of the property and the surrounding area was launched after Gus went missing.
Police have returned to the area multiple times.
Today’s search comes after police yesterday charged Gus’ 75-year-old grandparent Josie Murray with firearms offences but have maintained the charges are not linked to the toddler’s disappearance.
Murray was bailed to appear in the Peterborough Magistrates Court on May 6.
Detective Inspector Andrew Macrae said the firearms charges were not related to the disappearance of Gus or a previous incident at Oak Park Station in October involving media attending the property.
Police earlier this month confirmed a person with close ties to the household, who is not one of Gus’ parents, had been speaking with detectives but then allegedly “withdrew cooperation” and has since been identified as a suspect.
Gus’ disappearance is now being considered a major crime.
Josie Murray and Gus’ other grandparent Shannon Murray released a statement through their lawyers, saying they were “absolutely devastated” by SA Police’s statement on February 6.
“We are absolutely devastated by the media release of SAPOL Major Crime,” the statement read.
“The family has cooperated fully with the investigation and want nothing more than to find Gus and reunite him with his mum and dad.”
The lawyers also indicated they will not be making any further comments.
There is no suggestion Josie or Shannon Murray are involved in the disappearance of Gus and it is not unusual for anyone linked to an investigation to seek out legal advice.
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