Police declare disappearance of young Beverley father Michael Modesti a major crime

POLICE have declared the disappearance of a western suburbs father, who had just returned from a visit to Thailand, a major crime and believe he is the victim of a drug-related murder.

POLICE have declared the disappearance of a western suburbs father a major crime and believe he is the victim of a drug-related murder.

Michael Modesti, 33, of Beverley, has not been seen or heard from since Mother’s Day, May 8, when he last spoke to his partner by phone.

He has not made contact with his four-year-old son and his bank accounts have not been accessed.

Major Crime Investigation Branch officer-in-charge Detective Superintendent Des Bray said it was most likely that Mr Modesti had been murdered.

“From the outset police had grave concerns because of the circumstances of this case and investigated in the hope that we would find Michael alive and well and that he had disappeared for some harmless reasons,” he said.

“Unfortunately, as time has gone on, the likelihood of that had diminished to the point we now think the possibility of Michael being alive is non-existent and we believe that he was murdered.

Missing man Michael Modesti.

“We have an open mind as to what may have happened to Michael but certainly one of the lines of investigation that we are pursuing is that this may, in some way, be a drug-related murder.

“We haven’t been able to find anything to exclude that possibility at this stage.”

Det Supt Bray said Mr Modesti — a professional tiler — flew to Thailand, on April 26, to attend a building expo to explore the possibility of importing silicone for use in the tiling industry.

He said police were unable to confirm whether Mr Modesti attended the expo or who was involved with him in that venture.

Det-Supt Bray said Mr Modesti arrived in Adelaide on May 6 and spent the weekend with his partner and his son at his Willsmore St home at Beverley.

He said security footage on May 8 recorded Mr Modesti withdrawing cash from a Welland Plaza Shopping Centre ATM at 1.19pm and travelling along North Tce in the CBD at 2.54pm.

“We think that, between 10.45pm on Sunday, May 8, and 5.30am on Monday, May 9, during that time something bad happened to Michael in terms of causing him to leave the house or that subsequently resulted in his death,” he said.

Det-Supt Bray said Mr Modesti’s blue 2005 Mitsubishi Magna — registration XPC 764 — was found by his brother abandoned on Chenoweth Ave, West Croydon, on Wednesday, May 11.

He said the car, which has since been seized and forensically examined, was open but that Mr Modesti’s house was locked and secure and that his wallet and mobile phone were found there.

Missing man Michael Modesti’s 2005 Mitsubishi Magna, registration XPC-764, was found abandoned on Chenoweth Ave at West Croydon.

Police doorknocked homes around Chenoweth Ave, where neighbours told The Advertiser they had seen the car parked on the street in the early hours of Thursday before his disappearance.

“We are trying to build a complete picture of his friends, his associates and his life over the past three months and hopefully what his plans were for the future,” he said.

“He was a tiler by trade, he had a four-year-old son who he loved very much and had a very close relationship with his family.

“We have no indication at all at this stage of who may be responsible for Michael’s disappearance and what we believe to be his death.”

Det-Supt Bray said police wanted to speak to anyone who had information about any potential illegal activity Mr Modesti may have been involved in or any debts he may have incurred.

He said police were also seeking further information about Mr Modesti’s trip to Thailand and that it was unknown whether he was trying to import drugs.

“He could have a completely legitimate reason for buying a product like (silicone) overseas for a cheap rate and importing it into Australia and selling it for a profit,” he said.

Det-Supt Bray said Mr Modesti was known to police “for some strife he got in to” between 2002 and 2006.

He said there had since been minimal interaction with police — save for some traffic matters and nine cannabis seedlings grown in his house in 2014 — up until his disappearance.

Mr Modesti’s family released a statement saying: “We love Michael very much. He was a good boy and we want him back. If you know anything please tell the police so we can bring Michael home.”

Mr Modesti is described as of southern European appearance, 178cm tall, 80kg, of muscular build, with short brown hair, brown eyes, and tattoos on his right arm.

Anyone with information about the disappearance of Mr Modesti should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

TIMELINE

Tuesday, April 26

* Mr Modesti flew to Bangkok, Thailand, to attend a building expo and then went to Pataya.

* He was considering establishing a silicone import business for use in the tiling industry.

* It is unknown whether he attended the expo or who was involved with him in that venture.

Thursday, May 6

* Mr Modesti returned to Adelaide and attended his partner’s Brooklyn Park home.

* He then went to his Beverley home, where his partner and son stayed for the weekend.

Sunday, May 8

1.19pm: Mr Modesti withdrew cash from an ATM at Welland Plaza Shopping Centre, which was recorded by security cameras.

2.54pm: His car was seen travelling on North Tce, Adelaide, near the Adelaide Casino.

5.30pm: Mr Modesti dropped his son home at his mother’s Evanston Gardens home.

7.30pm: He ordered a pizza, which was delivered to his Beverley home.

10.45pm: Mr Modesti spoke to his partner on the phone and said he was going to bed.

Monday, May 9

3.15am: A taxi camera showed Mr Modesti’s car was not on Chenoweth Ave, West Croydon.

5.30am: A person walking saw his car abandoned on Chenoweth Ave.

1.35pm: Mr Modesti’s car was seen on the dashcam of a passing car still on Chenoweth Ave.

* His partner advised family of concerns for his safety and they attempted to find Mr Modesti.

Tuesday, May 10

* Mr Modesti’s family had no contact with him and again they tried to find him. His family reported his disappearance to SA Police.

Wednesday, May 11

* Mr Modesti’s car was found on Chenoweth Ave and forensically examined.

* Police searched Mr Modesti’s home. It was found locked and secure with no sign of a disturbance. His phone and wallet were found there.