Cover-Up Allegations Dismissed in Gus Lamont Case as Debate Over Josie Murray Intensifies
Josie Murray has spoken publicly for the first time since her grandson August “Gus” Lamont vanished from Oak Park Station last September — unleashing a series of emotional claims as police confirm the latest search of the remote property has again found no trace of the missing four‑year‑old.
The 75‑year‑old, who stopped cooperating with detectives months after the case was declared a major crime, appeared in a 7NEWS Spotlight interview on Sunday night.
She confirmed she is the only suspect in the investigation — a claim she strongly rejects.
Deputy Police Commissioner Linda Williams said she watched the interview “with interest” but would not comment on whether investigators are any closer to laying charges.
She also dismissed suggestions raised by one of Murray’s friends that detectives had unfairly targeted her because she is transgender.
“I think the claim is nonsense,” Williams said.
“When we conduct any investigation we always do it impartially, and I’m very proud of the professionalism shown by our officers.”
Police also declined to respond to Murray’s assertion that she is being accused of a cover‑up — including claims she buried Gus’s body after a fatal accident on the property.
“It’s ludicrous to think I would put us through this sort of turmoil,” Murray said in the interview.
“Why would I bury him? I wouldn’t do that to my daughter.”
She also alleged the family discovered evidence of a stranger being on the property after Gus disappeared and before police arrived — a claim investigators would not address.
“I’m not going into specifics,” Williams said.
“This is an active investigation and I don’t want to compromise ongoing efforts or any potential court proceedings.”
The comments come with Task Force Horizon officers yet to find any new definite evidence following a renewed search at Oak park station in May for a three‑day targeted search, prompted by recent heavy rain that may have exposed new ground or shifted soil.
Major Crime detectives and STAR Group officers searched multiple locations across the vast outback station but found nothing.
Family told police that Gus was last seen playing outside the homestead on September 27.
Despite one of the largest land searches in South Australian history — spanning more than 470 square kilometres and involving drones, aircraft, mounted officers, SES volunteers and police dogs — the only physical clue ever discovered was a single small footprint about 500 metres from the house.
Police maintain they do not believe Gus simply wandered off.
Investigations are continuing, with further updates expected as the renewed search progresses.
