Gus Lamont update: Josie Murray, Shannon Murray issue new joint statement on missing four-year-old
The grandparents of missing four-year-old Gus Lamont have issued a joint statement through their legal representatives.
The grandparents of missing four-year-old Gus Lamont have issued a joint statement through their legal representatives, attempting to rebuke a key allegation made by police.
Josie Murray and Shannon Murray, who lived on the Oak Park Station in Yunta, South Australia, on Thursday, engaged legal representatives after SA Police declared the child’s disappearance a major crime.
In a bombshell press conference, police revealed a member of Gus’ family who lived at the property, and who was not a parent, was no longer cooperating with officers and was now considered a suspect.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.On Friday afternoon, the Murrays issued a joint statement through their respective legal teams.
“We are absolutely devastated by the media release of SAPOL Major Crime,” the statement began.
“The family has cooperated fully with the investigation and want nothing more than to find Gus and reunite him with his mum and dad.”
The lawyers representing Josie and Shannon stated that their clients would not be participating in interviews or commenting further.
The statement contradicts claims made by Det-Supt. Darren Fielke.
“A person who resides at Oak Park Station has withdrawn their support for police and is no longer cooperating with us,” he said on Thursday.
He added that there were “discrepancies” and “inconsistencies” in the timelines SAPOL had been given by family members.
“On 14 and 15 January, this year, Task Force Horizon investigators attended Oak Park Station and executed a search warrant. Further comprehensive forensic search was conducted of the Oak Park Station homestead. A number of items were seized, including a vehicle, a motorcycle, and some electronic devices.
“All of these items are now subject to forensic testing.
“The person who has withdrawn their co-operation is now considered a suspect in the disappearance of Gus.”
Hours after that announcement was made, it was revealed that both of Gus’ grandparents had engaged high-profile lawyers.
Gus’ grandparent, Josie, has hired criminal lawyer Andrew Ey, while his biological grandmother, Shannon Murray, is being represented by defence lawyer Casey Isaacs.
There is no suggestion that either Josie or Shannon Murray were involved in Gus’ disappearance.
The statement issued on Friday marks the second time the family has publicly spoken about the disappearance.
Family speak out
The first time they spoke was back in September, just two days after Gus went missing.
Family friend Bill Harbison read a letter on behalf of the family on September 29.
“We’re devastated by the disappearance of our beloved Gus on Saturday afternoon,” the statement said.
“It has come as a shock to our family and friends and we’re struggling to comprehend what has happened.
“Gus’ absence is felt by all of us and we miss him more than words can express. Our hearts are aching and we are holding on to hope that he will be found and returned safely.”
Police have said the family is “very private”, people who, according to Superintendent Mark Syrus, “like the isolation” of their rural homestead life.
“They’re a very private family, and they don’t get many visitors up here,” he said on October 1.
“It’s very tough for them. They like the isolation, and over the last six days, they’ve had over 100 people in the area being part of their lives.
“We gave them space because that’s what they needed, just a bit of time to rationalise what has happened and to come to terms with it.”
When did Gus Lamont disappear?
Gus has not been seen since September 27, 2025.
On that day, he was last seen by grandmother, Shannon Murray, according to police, before he vanished.
Initially, SAPOL said Gus had likely “wandered off”. However, months on, a major crime has been declared, and someone who lives at the property, who is not Gus’ parent, is now a suspect and is not cooperating with authorities.
Multiple, large-scale searches have been conducted involving hundreds from across SAPOL, the SES, the ADF, community volunteers and an Indigenous tracker.
Dams have been drained, mine shafts searched, and an “extensive” aerial search has been completed. Despite their best efforts, across 132 days, Gus has not been found.
