Farmer Discovered Shot Dead and Buried in Shallow Grave After Vanishing for Two Days
A 65-year-old farmer who disappeared for two days has been found shot dead and buried in a shallow grave on his rural property. The last confirmed sighting of Richard Wills was on Easter Sunday, when he left his home in Ouyen, approximately 450 kilometres northwest of Melbourne near the South Australian border.
Disappearance and Search Efforts
Police were informed that Mr Wills went to work on his farm along the Mallee Highway around 8am on Sunday as part of his normal routine. However, he failed to return for lunch, prompting family members to search the property extensively without success. His wife reported him missing on Monday morning when he still had not returned home.
Mr Wills' body was discovered during a police search at approximately 1:30 pm on Tuesday. He had been fatally shot before being buried in a shallow grave on the farm.
Police Appeal for Information
Detective Senior Sergeant Steve Trewavas of the Missing Persons Squad stated, 'Sadly, Richard has clearly met with foul play. What is still unclear is exactly who was involved, and why. Richard Wills was shot and killed before being buried in a shallow grave. Ouyen is about 450km northwest of Melbourne near the South Australian border.'
He added, 'We are very keen to speak to anyone who may have any knowledge of the circumstances which led to his death and who was responsible. We're hoping that this appeal leads to someone coming forward and doing the right thing – it can be done anonymously – so that we can hold those responsible to account.'
Authorities are urging anyone who saw Richard Wills on Easter Sunday or who may have any information regarding his death to contact Crime Stoppers immediately. A press conference is scheduled to be held in Ouyen on Saturday to provide further updates on the investigation.
