The body of a man found “encased in concrete” in Brisbane has lead to the dramatic arrest of a 27-year-old man at Sydney International Airport.
Andrew Christopher Walsh, who was reported missing by his family in far north Queensland in January, was found under a property in Coopers Plains, south of Brisbane on Wednesday.
Mr Walsh, 35, was last seen in November at Logan.
The Mossman man is one of two missing Queensland men whose disappearances police suspect are related.
Acting Detective Inspector Chris Knight said the body of Mr Walsh was uncovered after an intense three-week excavation at a truck business along Musgrave Road.
“An area of the workshop was excavated and there was a large amount of concrete that was drilled and excavated, so it (Mr Walsh’s body) was encased in concrete,” he said.
“Police have returned to the crime scene at Coopers Plains and we intend to conduct further targeted forensic examinations tonight.”
A 27-year-old man was intercepted at the Sydney International Airport in relation to the grim discovery.
“I certainly can confirm that he (the 27-year-old man) has been apprehended in connection with the murder of Andrew Walsh,” Detective Knight said.
He will be extradited to Queensland on Thursday.
The victim’s former partner Lauren Cockerell took to Facebook to pay tribute to Mr Walsh.
“It’s hard to think my daughter is going to grow up without her dad,” she wrote.
Police believe Mr Walsh’s death is related to the disappearance and suspected murder of Lachlan Griffiths.
The 34-year-old was reported missing by his mother late January.
The man is yet to be found.
Police believe the pair moved in the same circles.
Detective Knight said Mr Griffiths’ last “signs of life” were at the Coopers Plains depot where Mr Walsh’s body was found.
“Our investigation has confirmed both of those individuals are linked to that crime scene at Coopers Plains,” Detective Knight said.
“That is the common denominator.”
“Both of these investigations are far from over and our detectives remain committed to bringing anybody involved in this to justice,” he said.
Detectives charged a 40-year-old Tingalpa man with the murder of Mr Griffiths late February.
Anyone with information about Mr Griffiths should contact Policelink or Crime Stoppers.
