The grandparents of young Gus Lamont have expressed their profound sorrow following the announcement by authorities that the boy’s disappearance is now being treated as a major crime. This update comes as the search for the four-year-old intensifies.

Law enforcement officials have escalated the case, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.

In a statement issued through their legal representatives, Josie and Shannon Murray, grandparents of Gus, shared their heartbreak: “We are absolutely devastated by the announcement from SAPOL Major Crime. Our family has been fully cooperative with the investigation, and our deepest wish is for Gus to be safely returned to his parents.”

The legal team further clarified that Josie and Shannon Murray will refrain from making additional public comments.

It is important to note that there is no implication of involvement by Josie or Shannon Murray in Gus’s disappearance. Seeking legal counsel is a common practice for those connected to an ongoing investigation.

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.

Police yesterday said a person who has close ties to the household, who is not one of his parents, was speaking with detectives but then “withdrew co-operation” and is now considered a suspect. No arrests have been made.

Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke also revealed the investigation had centred on three theories: whether Gus was abducted; whether someone he knows was involved in his disappearance or suspected death; and whether he wandered off from Oak Park Station.

Fielke said detectives from Taskforce Horizon have a “high level of confidence” he did not wander off.

Investigators have also found no evidence to suggest Gus was abducted.

No evidence of Gus has been uncovered despite extensive searches of the property, which Fielke said has been the “largest and most intensive” missing person search ever undertaken by SA Police.

A full-scale ground and air search of the property and the surrounding area was launched after Gus went missing.

Officers returned to the area surrounding Oak Park Station to search for Gus’ remains on February 2, but uncovered no evidence.

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