CIB, homicide unit investigate disappearance of Jack McLennan

The increasingly desperate family of Jack McLennan continues to search for the 27-year-old, as police say there is ‘nothing suspicious’ despite the addition of the CIB and homicide unit to the investigation.

The search for missing man Jack McLennan is ongoing, with family and friends conducting ground searches in the area where he was last seen while police have confirmed they are continuing their efforts.

Police have said the disappearance of Jack McLennan in the Murgon area on October 4 is not considered suspicious at this stage after confirming on Monday that the search had been scaled back following an unsuccessful air and land operation.
Detective Acting Inspector Brian Collins from the Darling Downs District said at a press conference in Toowoomba on Tuesday the Homicide Investigation Unit had been brought in to assist local detectives with “specialist methodologies”.

Detectives from the Darling Downs Criminal Investigation Branch and Homicide Investigation Unit have established Operation Whiskey Pocket.

“There are no people of interest, there are several witnesses who detectives and homicide investigators are following up with and obtaining statements,” Insp Collins said.

“We do have grave concerns about for his welfare.”
Insp Collins said ground searches may resume if new areas of interest emerge during the ongoing investigation.

Jack, 27, was last seen between 8-10pm on October 4, near Ficks Crossing, a fishing spot off the Bunya Highway about 6km southwest of Murgon. He was reported missing the following day, prompting police to launch a search and rescue operation.

Despite the reduction in official search efforts, family and friends continue to organise ground searches in the vicinity of his last known location and have announced plans for additional searches in the coming days.

The only fresh leads have been the discovery of a pair of shoes near a park in Murgon where he was last seen and a hat found on Thursday, October 10. The two items were located about 7km apart.

Police also released images of divers searching a body of water on Wednesday, October 16.

Authorities are appealing to witnesses, particularly someone believed to have camped overnight at Ficks Crossing in a dark-coloured vehicle with a rooftop tent.

Investigators are also asking anyone who may have seen a person walking along the Bunya Highway towards Wondai around 10.40pm on October 4 and 5 to come forward.

A search and rescue operation is underway at Ficks Crossing for missing man Jack McLennan. Photo: Andrew Hedgman.

Police released images of divers searching a body of water as they continue their search for Jack McLennan, who disappeared near Ficks Crossing at Murgon 12 days ago.

Nearby residents have been asked to continue checking their properties, including any outbuildings and sheds, for signs of Jack.

South Burnett Patrol Group Acting Inspector Brett Everest said police deployed specialised drones on the first weekend to identify areas for a follow up ground search

“The drones were looking on a much wider scale, but nothing was found,” he said.

“There is nothing to indicate the matter is suspicious.

“There are many different scenarios that we are looking at, but this is still being treated as a search and rescue operation.”

Jack McLennan was last seen at Ficks Crossing just outside of Murgon between 8pm and 10pm on Friday, October 4, 2024, and has not been seen or heard from since.

Jack’s partner Caralee Beetham said Jack’s disappearance did not make sense.

“He is very funny, very kind hearted and caring, always into his fitness, playing Xbox and being home with the dogs. He is just a normal guy.

“Everyone who knows Jack, likes him, no one has anything bad to say about him.

“He is smart and fit, if he was lost he would have figured it out.”

Ms Beetham said Jack had been drinking with a man he knew and they had plans to go fishing at Ficks Crossing on October 4.

The pair were sighted at the Wondai bottle shop on the day he disappeared.

Ficks Crossing is located a short distance from Murgon, in the South Burnett.

Police released images of divers searching a body of water as they continue their search for Jack McLennan, who disappeared near Ficks Crossing at Murgon 12 days ago.

Kellie Moody, from Memerambi, told media Jack’s car had been found in Murgon, “so she was particularly asking any motorists who were driving on the Bunya Highway on Friday night to contact police if they had seen a man walking along the road”.

“He’s a good walker,” she said. “Jack may have decided to walk back into Murgon or towards Memerambi.”

Jack’s father Ross McLennan flew up from Tasmania to join the search, other media have reported.

If you have information for investigators, phone Policelink on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers in 1800 333 000.

Originally published as CIB, homicide unit investigate disappearance of Jack McLennan