Shaun Smoothy, a 45-year-old resident of Crows Nest, has been formally charged with the murder of Paul Woods, who was 48 years old. The charge came yesterday, significantly advancing a case that has gripped the community.
The mystery surrounding Woods began when he was reported missing on Tuesday, October 14. However, investigators now suspect that Woods may have encountered foul play up to a week before that date. This suspicion is based on findings from the ongoing investigation.
Detective Inspector Ryan Harmer shed light on the situation, revealing that authorities have not been able to confirm any “proof of life” for Woods since October 5. “We’ve interviewed several witnesses whose accounts have led us to treat this as a homicide investigation,” Harmer stated.
In response to the growing body of evidence, police have cordoned off two locations as crime scenes: Woods’ residence in Hampton and Smoothy’s property in Cressbrook Creek. These sites are now central to piecing together the events leading up to Woods’ disappearance and presumed death.
“We’ve spoken to witnesses who have led us to believe that this is obviously a homicide investigation.”
Police have since established crime scenes at Woods’ home in Hampton, as well as Smoothy’s property in Cressbrook Creek.
The dog squad, police divers and the SES were called in to assist with the search of the large rural property today where police allege Woods was killed and his body dismembered.
“At the end of the day, the forensic examination is in its early stages, so we still have a number of days yet to be able to search that property thoroughly,” Harmer said.
Smoothy is understood to be a house re-stumper and avid hunter.
Police say they believe the two men knew each other.
“We believe that they know each other, we are still trying to investigate the relationship,” Harmer said.
Police say Woods was last seen more than two weeks ago, riding an unregistered blue and white Yamaha 450 motorbike on Saturday afternoon, October 5, between the Hampton and Cressbrook Creek area.
The motorbike remains missing.
Anyone with information or CCTV or dashcam of the motorbike in the Hampton, Crows Nest and Cressbrook Creek areas between October 5 and 6 is urged to contact police.
