SA police offer $200,000 reward over Tanja Ebert disappearance, say husband may have discussed her murder before his death
THE husband of suspected murder victim Tanja Ebert travelled to Adelaide from the couple’s remote Far North property after she vanished but before reporting his wife missing, police revealed Monday.
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THE husband of suspected murder victim Tanja Ebert may have discussed the death of his wife with family or friends, police believe, as a significant cash reward for new information about her disappearance is offered on Monday.
Major Crime detectives suspect people in the community have knowledge of the killing, which could lead to the discovery of the remains of the young mother, but are reluctant to speak to police.
The startling revelation comes nearly one year after Michael Burdon told police his German wife mysteriously vanished from the side of a country road at Roseworthy following an argument — a scenario rejected by detectives.
On Monday, police announced a $200,000 reward for anyone with information that could lead to the recovery of Ms Ebert and will appeal to those suspected of withholding details about her bizarre disappearance. Ms Ebert’s family in Germany have told detectives they feel positive about the incentive.
In a new twist, Major Crime detectives have since revealed that Mr Burdon travelled to Adelaide from the couple’s remote property after Ms Ebert vanished but before she was reported missing. They would not disclose other details about the trip.
Major Crime case officer Detective Sergeant Paul Ward said key pieces of information identified over the past year indicates Ms Ebert never abandoned her family’s car at Roseworthy on August 8, as claimed by Mr Burdon.
However, there is no evidence to support Ms Ebert, 23, is still alive.
Instead, detectives are convinced her body is hidden somewhere at Oulnina Park Station — the couple’s remote property near Mannahill, about 360km north of Adelaide.
“We suspect there (is a) person or people who do know the circumstance of Tanja’s death,” Det Sgt Ward said.
“There are aspects of the investigation that have come to light that lead us to believe that.
“At times people protect others reputation within the community. What we would do is ask those people to put that aside.
“This is a tragic event and all tragic events have a wave effect that continues.
“We’ve got two young children who are orphaned, who I suspect as they grow older would have questions about what has happened.”
Ms Ebert’s disappearance was first reported on August 10.
Mr Burdon, 41, told police he last saw his wife about 7pm on August 8 when she abandoned him and their two sons near Roseworthy.
He said she left the car without her phone and passport but had $2000 cash.
The family had spent the day in Adelaide visiting the SA Museum. The last confirmed sighting of Ms Ebert was at the Central Markets on Gouger St about 4.45pm.
But now detectives believe Ms Ebert travelled past Roseworthy on August 8.
“CCTV obtained from the service station at Roseworthy certainly confirmed that Michael’s vehicle was at the service station and certainly Michael was,” Det Sgt Ward said.
“(But) during the investigation that has changed, we now strongly suspect that Tanja was in that vehicle at Roseworthy.
“There are pieces of information that leads us strongly to believe that she made it further (in the car).
“The investigation has been able to establish a timeline of certain events, however there is a period between six to seven hours that we are missing on August 9.
“And there is a period of approximately 35-40 minutes on August 8 that we can’t account for.
“It would be in the period leading up to 10.50pm (on the same day).”
Police suspect Ms Ebert did not live past August 10.
On August 15, the unusual disappearance was flagged with Major Crime and detectives, including Sgt Ward, travelled to Oulnina Park the next day.
“Michael Burdon was spoken to by detectives for a number of hours, it was an interview, he was not in custody but he certainly was, in our mind, a suspect at that point,” Det Sgt Ward said.
After being told the property would be searched, Mr Burdon excused himself from the kitchen table for a drink.
Minutes later, he fatally shot himself a short distance from the homestead.
A Police Commissioner’s Inquiry is investigating the incident.
STAR Group officers, detectives and emergency services searched the couple’s 410sq km property three times, concentrating on sentimental locations, abandoned mines shafts, wells and dams.
No trace of Ms Ebert has ever been found.
After Mr Burdon’s death his mother, Marlis Burdon, told The Advertiser Ms Ebert was preparing to leave her husband and children.
Police confirmed there had been conversations about Ms Ebert leaving the relationship.
Last week, Ms Burdon said the orphaned boys were now living in Adelaide with her youngest daughter.
She said the family was still “working things out”.
“It’s still a difficult period (but) the station is being used … (The boys) are okay, I think the eldest may have a little bit of emotional stuff still there but on a whole they’re happy kids.”
Ms Burdon said she has not been in contact with Ms Ebert’s family.
Det Sgt Ward said people with knowledge of Ms Ebert’s disappearance should come forward “for the sake of her children”.
He said police did not want to put people before the court.
“Murder is the most serious crime and we’d like to resolve this and put Tanja to rest,” he said.
“Everything in the investigation leads us to believe (she) is on Oulnina Park Station.
“While her remains have not been found Oulnina will always have that cloud over it.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
OUTBACK MYSTERY
Tuesday, August 8
North Tce, 3.20pm — Video footage captures Ms Ebert with her family at the South Australian Museum.
Roseworthy, about 7pm — According to Mr Burdon, Ms Ebert left the family car near the local service station after an argument and took $2000 cash but no phone or
passport.
Riverton, 7.36pm — A CCTV camera at Riverton captures a car — possibly the family’s LandCruiser — in town.
Thursday, August 10
Ms Ebert is reported missing.
Wednesday, August 16
Police say they are convinced Ms Ebert was murdered. Mr Burdon kills himself at the family’s Oulnina Park Station.
Thursday, August 17
Major Crime detectives begin excavating at the station.
Saturday, August 19
Police suspend their search.
Wednesday, August 30
Police resume search, concentrating on wells and abandoned mine shafts.
Friday, September 1
Police suspend second search.
Tuesday, October 17
Police begin third search. Divers check 18 dams across the property.
Thursday, October 19
Final search is suspended
NATIONAL MISSING PERSONS WEEK
SOUTH Australian’s who have vanished without a trace will feature in an Australian Federal Police social media campaign to mark the 30th anniversary of National Missing Persons Week.
The AFP has profiled 30 long-term cases involving missing Australians and hopes the online campaign could help shed light on the nation’s most baffling disappearances.
This year’s week-long NMPW event launched Sunday and also features a short film that offers insight into the pain felt by people who are still searching for loved ones.
AFP Deputy Commissioner Neil Gaughan said it was often members of the community that helped police piece the puzzles together.
“The community is our eyes and ears in these cases helping police find the many thousands of people who go missing each year,” he said.
“It’s important that we raise awareness of this issue, including the reasons why people go missing, the social and financial impacts. This might mean taking an interest and sharing our social media posts.
“If you recognise any of the missing people profiled this NMPW, or indeed any of the 2600 long-term missing persons on the Public Register (please get in contact).
“You might just have a piece of information that could help bring them home.”
NMPW runs until Saturday. The annual awareness week was established in Australia in 1988 — sparked by the unsolved disappearance of Tony Jones who vanished while backpacking through North Queensland in 1982.
If you have information visit: www.missingpersons.gov.au or contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
For help with depression, suicidal thoughts or personal problems, call Lifeline on 13 11 15 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636