DistantNews
Support us
๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บ Australia /Crime & Justice

Search for infant at Port MacDonnell wraps up, as police call for end to 'rubbish' chatter

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Police have ceased formal search efforts for the body of a three-month-old infant boy, Lewis, in South Australia's southeast.
  • The infant's mother, Helena Wright, and his 23-month-old sister, Hazel, were recovered on July 27 following a suspected murder-suicide.
  • Authorities urged the public to stop speculating online about the tragedy, citing distress to the family and the spread of misinformation.

South Australian police have concluded their formal search for the body of a three-month-old infant, Lewis, who remains missing following a suspected murder-suicide. The infant's mother, Helena Wright, and his older sister, Hazel, were found on July 27. Despite extensive aerial, ground, and water searches, including multiple dives by a specialized team last week, Lewis's body has not been recovered. Superintendent Trent Cox of Limestone Coast police stated that while formal search efforts have ceased, police will continue to investigate any reports of washed-up material. He acknowledged the grim reality that the infant is unlikely to be found. The family has received significant support, including a fundraiser that has garnered over $39,000. Superintendent Cox also appealed to the community to cease online speculation surrounding the tragedy. He emphasized that unsubstantiated chatter on social media is distressing for the family and does not help anyone. Police are obligated to provide factual information to the coroner and are compiling a report on the incident. Police Commissioner Grant Stevens indicated that actions taken by police prior to the incident are being reviewed for any necessary improvements, although he stressed no wrongdoing is being suggested at this stage.

The grim reality is he's unlikely now ever to be found.

โ€” Superintendent Trent CoxDescribing the outcome of the search efforts for the missing infant.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.