Victoria Police are investigating the suspicious death of a 65-year-old farmer after he was found shot dead and buried in a shallow grave on his own property in the state’s north-west. Richard Wills, who had been reported missing after failing to return home for an Easter family gathering, was discovered during a police-assisted search of his rural land near Mildura.
The discovery brings a grim conclusion to a search that began after Mr. Wills vanished during what investigators describe as his usual morning routine. He was last seen leaving his residence on Hugh Street in Ouyen, a modest community located approximately 440 kilometres from Melbourne, at about 8 a.m. Last Sunday.
Investigators believe Mr. Wills had travelled to his farm—a large rural property situated about eight kilometres away along the Mallee Highway—where he was subsequently killed. Police have confirmed that the nature of the discovery indicates he was the victim of foul play, though the motive and the identity of those responsible remain unknown.
Timeline of Disappearance and Discovery
The alarm was first raised on Easter Sunday. Mr. Wills had not returned home for the traditional family lunch, a deviation from his habits that immediately concerned his relatives. Family members began searching the rural property later that afternoon.
When he remained missing through Sunday night, his wife, Donna Wills, officially reported him to police on Monday. The subsequent search operation, supported by law enforcement, led to the discovery of his body on Tuesday.
| Day | Event |
|---|---|
| Sunday (8 a.m.) | Last seen leaving home in Ouyen for his farm. |
| Sunday (Afternoon) | Family begins search after he misses Easter lunch. |
| Monday | Donna Wills reports husband missing to police. |
| Tuesday | Body found in a shallow grave during police-assisted search. |
A Family in Grief
The tragedy has left the Wills family devastated. On social media, the farmer’s daughter, Kayla Phillips, shared the news of her father’s death, describing the loss as “another nightmare we don’t get to wake up from.” Phillips noted that the family had previously suffered the loss of her sister ten years ago.
In her post, Phillips expressed the family’s state of shock and disbelief, stating, “For those that don’t know, our beautiful Dad has been found. It is not the outcome we had hoped for.” She added that while they feel supported by friends and family, they face a “long road ahead” while waiting for answers regarding the circumstances of his death.
Police Appeal for Information
Detective Senior Sergeant Steve Trewavas of the missing persons squad has stated that the investigation is now focused on determining who was involved in the killing and the reason behind the attack. “Sadly, Richard has clearly met with foul play,” Trewavas said.
During the initial missing persons phase, police noted that Mr. Wills’ disappearance was “extremely out of character.” He was last seen wearing a dark-coloured cap and a yellow high-vis long-sleeve top.
Authorities are now urging anyone who may have seen Mr. Wills on that Sunday, or who possesses any information that could assist the investigation, to come forward. Police emphasized that reports can be made anonymously to help hold those responsible for the missing farmer Richard Wills found shot dead and buried on his property to account.
Information can be provided via Crime Stoppers Victoria or by calling 1800 333 000.
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The investigation remains ongoing as forensic analysts process the scene. The next confirmed step involves the completion of the autopsy and the continued review of potential witnesses in the Ouyen and Mildura regions.
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