Bushwalker discovered missing man’s remains in SA five years after his disappearance

The remains of a man who has been missing for five years have been discovered in bushland south of Adelaide.

Human remains of a man who disappeared in Adelaide more than five years ago have been found in bushland.

Police confirmed a bushwalker discovered the body of Jeffrey Mundy at Inman Valley, about 75km south of Adelaide, on April 24. He was last seen by his family on 19th of December 2020.

The disappearance sparked a major crime investigation with police believing he was murdered. Mr Mundy’s family — grateful to the bushwalker who found his remains — spent over five years in pain.

Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke said there were people who knew what happened to Mr Mundy.

Jeff Mundy was last seen at a chemist in a shopping centre at Noralunga in December 2020. A bushwalker discovered remains of the missing man in SA, five years after his disappearance. Picture: SA Police
“It is possible the lives of those people that did not come forward in the initial investigation have changed, the circumstances and allegiances that may have stopped these people coming forward are likely to have also changed,” he said.

“Now is the time to come forward and speak with police.”

Superintendent Fielke said now they had found Mr Mundy’s body, his disappearance and murder were not connected with any other investigation conducted under Taskforce Southern.

“We will be reviewing all aspects of the initial investigation, including how many people were involved in both Jeff’s murder and protecting those people who were responsible for his murder,” he said.

Police are offering a reward up to $200,000 for information and assistance leading to a conviction for Mr Mundy’s murder.

Jeffrey Mundy’s family lay flowers at Inman Valley where the missing man’s remains were found. Image: SA Police
His parents Rob and Belinda Mundy released a statement saying on behalf of their family they could never express enough gratitude to the person who found their son and for helping to bring him home.

“On behalf of our family, we would like to sincerely thank the major crime detectives, for their tireless work during this devastating time,” they said.

“For five and a half years, our family has lived with an unbearable ache — the pain of not knowing what happened to Jeff or where he was.

Jeff Mundy’s disappearance sparked a major crime investigation with police believing he was held against his will for weeks before he was murdered over a drug debt. Picture: Facebook
“Jeffrey was a father, a loving son, a brother and an uncle, and he was taken from us in the most horrific of circumstances.

“The suffering and heartbreak caused by the loss of Jeffrey has impacted every member of our family, and it is something we are forced to live with each and every day.

“We are grateful Jeffrey has now been found and brought home, so we can lay Jeff to rest with the love and dignity he deserves.”

Mr Mundy’s parents pleaded with anyone who knew anything about what happened to their son or who was responsible for taking his life to come forward.

“ Your information could be the missing piece that helps bring those responsible to justice,” they said.

“For our family, this may be the only way we can finally find some sense of peace after so much pain and loss. We now ask for privacy at this time.”