The search has begun for missing man’s body who police believe was murdered.
Officers from Task Force Southern flocked to the state’s Mid North on Tuesday with hopes of locating Robert Atkins’ body somewhere between Orroroo and Peterborough, in South Australia.
The major search operation is expected to take place until Thursday and also involves local police, STAR operations and Transport Safety Branch police motorbikes.
Mr Atkins, 29, was believed to be held against his will and assaulted for up to a week before being murdered.
The man from Christie Downs, in Adelaide‘s south, was reported missing in January 2021 but had not used his mobile phone or bank account since November the year before.
At the time, police said there was “no doubt” Mr Atkins’ murder was a result of a drug-related debt, but his body is yet to be located.
Major crime Detective Superintendent Des Bray told reporters if Mr Atkins’ body wasn’t in the area they believed it was, other areas have been prioritised and would be searched in the coming days or even weeks.
He declined to reveal any detail of how the man was killed.
“It's difficult to know when Robert came here whether he was brought here under pretext or coercion … but we know in his final moments he was walked into the scrub, most likely against his will, and that’s where he was murdered,” Detective Bray said.
“By the time we finish (searching), will have been able to map this area and will be confident that every square inch has been searched.
“We’ve narrowed down from a very large area to a relatively small area so it’s achievable to find Robert if he’s in the area.
“We’ll do anything we can to find Robert and prosecute the people responsible.”
A $200,000 reward for information leading to the recovery of Mr Atkins’ remains is on offer.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
On the last day Mr Atkins was seen alive, officers believe he was taken to the northern suburbs and committed several crimes under the direction and coercion of one of his captors.
CCTV footage shows Mr Atkins at a store checkout with another man – who police say they know and is in custody on unrelated matters.
Police allege a 2010 black Jeep Cherokee with registration S556AJE was used by the person who killed Mr Atkins.
Mr Atkins’ murder is believed to be linked to the unsolved murders of two other Adelaide southern suburbs men Trevor King and Jeff Mundy.
Late last year it was revealed 12 to 15 low to medium-level drug-dealing criminals were suspected to be involved in the deaths; all related to drug debts.
No arrests connected to the three murders have been made.
