Tragic End to Desperate Darwin Search: Body of Missing Angelo, 44, Found in East Point Reserve Bushland After Massive Operation

By Michael Thompson, Crime & Community Reporter The Northern Territory Times – January 18, 2026

In a heartbreaking conclusion to one of Darwin’s most intense missing persons cases, Northern Territory Police have confirmed the recovery of a body believed to be that of 44-year-old Angelo, who vanished more than two weeks ago. The grim discovery was made in dense bushland at East Point Reserve following a large-scale air, land, and sea search operation launched earlier this week. Formal identification is pending, but police have informed Angelo’s devastated family, bringing a sorrowful close to the frantic hunt that gripped the Top End community.

Angelo was last seen on CCTV entering a service station on Bagot Road in Ludmilla at approximately 8:05pm on Saturday, January 3, 2026. Footage shows him wearing a distinctive blue T-shirt with “Everlast” emblazoned in white lettering across the front. He was reported missing to police on January 6, with a public appeal issued two days later amid growing concerns for his welfare.

facebook.com

14-YEAR-OLD GIRL VANISHES AFTER LEAVING HIGH SCHOOL — FAMILY …

(Final sighting: CCTV captures Angelo in his blue Everlast T-shirt entering the Bagot Road service station – the last confirmed image before his disappearance.)

The breakthrough came via mobile phone triangulation, pinpointing Angelo’s device to East Point Reserve – a vast coastal area popular for recreation but riddled with rugged scrub, mangroves, and cliffs. On Tuesday, January 13, police mobilised an extensive search-and-rescue effort involving multiple specialist units. A helicopter repeatedly scanned the coastline from East Point to Bagot Road, while ground teams – including the Search and Rescue Section, Territory Mounted Unit on horseback, Cultural Reform officers, and General Duties personnel – pushed through thick vegetation behind the Minmarama Aboriginal community. Marine units also patrolled nearby waters.

NT Police posted updates on social media, noting a “high presence” in the area and urging Fannie Bay and East Point residents to review CCTV footage for any sightings.

abc.net.au

Police conduct large-scale search in Darwin’s East Point Reserve …

(Massive air support: A police helicopter sweeps low over East Point Reserve during the intensive search for Angelo.)

The operation highlighted the challenges of searching Darwin’s unique terrain – beautiful yet unforgiving, with hidden dangers in the monsoon season. Community members rallied, sharing appeals widely and offering tips, while Angelo’s family endured agonising days of uncertainty.

By January 16, police announced the recovery of a body in the reserve. In an official statement: “The Northern Territory Police Force believes it has recovered the body of a man who was reported missing last week in Ludmilla.” While foul play has not been suggested, a full investigation and coronial process will follow to determine the circumstances of Angelo’s death.

abc.net.au

Police conduct large-scale search in Darwin’s East Point Reserve …

(Ground teams in action: NT Police vehicles navigate scrubland near Minmarama during the multi-agency push to find Angelo.)

Tributes have poured in from locals shocked by the outcome. “He was just a regular guy – this hits hard,” one resident said. East Point, a beloved spot for walks and picnics, now carries a sombre shadow. Police thanked the public for assistance, emphasising how community vigilance aids such cases.

This tragedy underscores the vulnerability of missing persons in remote or natural areas. NT Police continue to encourage anyone with information – even historical – to come forward via 131 444.

facebook.com

What does the NT Police Territory Mounted Unit do? 🐎👮‍♂️ Well …

(Specialist effort: Members of the Territory Mounted Unit on horseback comb dense terrain – a key part of the search strategy.)

As Darwin mourns, Angelo’s story serves as a poignant reminder: cherish loved ones, and never hesitate to raise concerns. The reserve’s beauty endures, but for one family, it will forever mark a place of profound loss.