Police Investigate Possible Connection Between Farmer's Murder and Organised Livestock Theft
Victoria Police are conducting a major investigation into whether the baffling murder of a sheep farmer is linked to a sophisticated crime network that has been making millions from stealing livestock across the state. The case has sent shockwaves through rural communities and highlighted the growing problem of underreported farm crime.
Tragic Discovery on Easter Weekend
Richard Wills, a 65-year-old farmer from Ouyen, was last seen leaving his home on Easter Sunday morning after kissing his wife of 32 years, Donna, goodbye. He departed for work at his rural property along the Mallee Highway around 8am as part of his normal daily routine. However, when he failed to return for lunch, family members became concerned and began searching the extensive 650-hectare share-cropping and livestock farm.
After finding no trace of him, Donna Wills reported her husband missing on Monday morning when he still hadn't returned. The situation took a tragic turn when police discovered his body about 1.30pm the following afternoon. An autopsy later confirmed he had been fatally shot.
Evidence Points to Foul Play and Possible Livestock Theft Connection
Detective Senior Sergeant Steve Trewavas of the Victoria Police Missing Persons Squad told reporters that Mr Wills had clearly met with "foul play" and that investigators were examining whether livestock theft in the region played a role in his death. The detective revealed that before his murder, Mr Wills had reported some of his sheep being stolen.
"It is something that we are mindful of in relation to this investigation," Senior Sergeant Trewavas stated, adding that evidence suggested Mr Wills had been dragged behind a vehicle. Police suspect the farmer may have known his killer, describing the crime scene as "confronting" and noting his remains had been buried.
Sophisticated Livestock Theft Network Operating Across Victoria
The investigation comes amid growing concerns about organised farm crime in Victoria. According to Crime Stoppers Victoria, there were over 2,693 recorded offences for stolen livestock, burglary, break-ins, and theft at farms in the year up to June 2025. This criminal activity costs the state's farmers more than $8 million annually, yet farm crime remains one of the most underreported offences.
In one particularly brazen case, a farmer in Lexton had more than 1,700 merino sheep valued at $175,000 stolen on three separate occasions between July 2023 and March 2025. Investigators noted the scale of these thefts proved those responsible were "highly coordinated" and "sophisticated" criminals operating with significant organisation.
Family's Heartbreaking Loss and Community Impact
Donna Wills described her final moments with her husband to the media, saying "He just kissed me goodbye. I thought I'd see him at lunchtime." When he hadn't returned that night, she initially thought he might have gone driving with a friend and experienced vehicle trouble. "Why would they want to do it to him?" she asked through her grief.
One of Mr Wills' children published an emotional statement on social media, writing "For those that don't know, our beautiful Dad has been found. It is not the outcome we had hoped for and we are in shock and disbelief." The family member added that they had experienced loss a decade before when her sister passed away, saying "so it feels like yet another nightmare we don't get to wake up from."
Ongoing Investigation and Community Canvassing
Senior Sergeant Trewavas emphasized that the farm's location along the highway made it easily accessible to passers-by, complicating the investigation. Officers spent the day between Mildura and Ouyen canvassing the local community and securing CCTV footage in their search for answers.
"What is still unclear is exactly who was involved and why. This is a vicious killing," the detective said. "It's callous. Somebody will know. On Easter Sunday morning, someone will know someone who was doing the wrong thing or acting suspiciously."
The 600-acre sharecropping farm has been transformed into an active crime scene as investigators work to determine the killer's motive and identify those responsible for what police describe as a particularly brutal and senseless crime.
