Missing farmer Richard Wills found shot dead, buried in shallow grave on his farm
Police are investigating the suspicious death of a farmer in Victoria’s north-west after he was shot dead on his farm near Mildura and buried in a shallow grave.
Richard Wills was last seen leaving his home on Hugh Street in Ouyen, a small community 440 kilometers from Melbourne and south of Mildura, at around 8am last Sunday morning.
Investigators say the 65-year-old man went to work on his farm, a large rural property about eight kilometers along the Mallee Highway, as was his usual routine.
But his failure to return home for lunch caused alarm among his loved ones, who began searching the property later that day.
After Wills did not return home that night, his wife, Donna Wills, reported him missing to police on Monday.
Wills’ body was found Tuesday during a police search of the property. Investigators believe he was shot and buried in a shallow grave.
On Saturday, police issued a request for information regarding Wills’ death.
While Wills was missing, police said they had concerns for his welfare as his disappearance was so out of character. She was last seen wearing a yellow, long-sleeved top and a dark-colored hat.
Detective Senior Sergeant Steve Trewavas, from the missing persons team, said it was unclear who was involved in the farmer’s death and why.
“Unfortunately Richard clearly had some bad play,” Trewavas said.
“We hope this call will lead to someone coming forward and doing the right thing – this can be done anonymously – so we can hold those responsible to account.”
Police are urging anyone who saw Wills last Sunday or has information about his death to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an anonymous report to: www.crimestoppersvic.gov.au.
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Marta Pascual Juanola is an investigative journalist at The Age. Before that, he was a crime and justice reporter. You can reach him securely via Signal at m.pascualjuanola@proton.me or +61 468 688 436.Connect with: X or email.
