Police reveal focus on key suspect in murder of Michael Modesti
MAJOR Crime detectives have revealed they have a suspect in the mystery abduction and murder of Beverley man Michael Modesti and that his death is linked to an organised crime syndicate trafficking drugs in Adelaide’s western suburbs.
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POLICE have a suspect in the mystery abduction and presumed murder of Beverley father Michael Modesti.
Major Crime detectives have revealed the man is a “significant’’ figure in an organised- crime syndicate operating in the western suburbs and involved in trafficking cannabis and methamphetamines.
The man has been questioned at length by detectives, his home searched for evidence and his illegal activities – which have only become evident during the murder investigation – are being closely scrutinised.
Detective Senior Sergeant Mark McEachern said the year-long investigation had been “complicated and frustrating’’ because Mr Modesti’s associates were uncooperative.
While one suspect is at the centre of investigations, detectives are open-minded to others – including associates of both the man and Mr Modesti – being involved.
“At this stage we do not have enough evidence to prove that he is the offender but we also have been unable to prove that he is not and that is significant,’’ he said.
Mr Modesti, 33, a tiler, was reported missing by his family on Tuesday, May 10, last year. His partner last spoke to him at 10.45pm on Sunday, May 8, when he told her he was going to bed.
Forensic officers found no visible signs of a disturbance at his home, where the TV was left turned on and the blinds up.
This indicated Mr Modesti had been either taken forcibly or left his home voluntarily to meet someone for a short time.
His wallet, credit cards, most of the $400 he had withdrawn from an ATM at Welland on May 8 and his usual mobile phone were left at the house – but his sunglasses were missing.
His Mitsubishi 380 was left parked on Chenoweth Ave, at West Croydon, several hours after he left his house.
An Alcatel brand mobile phone used by Mr Modesti – but registered in a false name – was missing from the car. Police believe he used the “burner” phone for illegal activities, most likely drug-trafficking.
Detective Sen-Sgt McEachern also revealed the mobile phone taken from Mr Modesti’s car may have been dumped in a drain at Prospect and that other items may also have been taken from the car.
“Our concerns are that if the mobile phone was removed from the car, what other evidence could have been in that vehicle that was removed that we don’t know about?’’ Detective Sen-Sgt McEachern said. “The fact is, there was a delay in finding the car and police being notified, which makes us suspicious as to why. Maybe they were trying to buy themselves some time. That has frustrated the investigation.’’
He said police had information that Mr Modesti may have been near Kilkenny Rd, Woodville Park, shortly after leaving his Beverley home but before his car was left on Chenoweth Ave.
Police believe there are three possible scenarios in which he was abducted – he voluntarily left his home and was abducted in the vicinity of Kilkenny Rd, he was forcibly taken from his home to Kilkenny Rd, or he met his abductor on Chenoweth Ave.
Detective Sen-Sgt McEachern said a trip to Thailand made by Mr Modesti, between April 26 and May 6 last year, still remained a mystery – but was likely to be linked to his presumed murder.
“We simply do not believe his trip to Thailand was to purchase and import silicon into Australia,” he said. “We have great concerns it was possibly a front for some other reason why he was over there.’’
Police strongly believe Mr Modesti’s presumed murder is drug-related but are yet to establish a definitive motive.
“It’s probably financial because that is generally what is behind these cases,’’ Detective Sen-Sgt McEachern said.
“Our suspicions are he was involved in the drug trade in the western suburbs but the extent of that we are not sure.
“We don’t believe the circumstances of his disappearance are widely known at all but it would be fair to say we believe some individuals would have some knowledge of who is responsible and possibly the motivation.’’
■ Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000
VICTIM’S LAST REPORTED SIGHTINGS
■ TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2016 Michael Modesti flies to Thailand, telling his family and friends that he is attending a building expo.
■ FRIDAY, MAY 6
Mr Modesti returns to Adelaide, visits his partner’s Brooklyn Park home and then goes to his Beverley home, where his partner and son stay for the weekend.
■ SUNDAY, MAY 8
1.19pm: Mr Modesti withdraws cash from an ATM at Welland Plaza Shopping Centre, which is recorded by security cameras.
2.54pm: His car is seen travelling on North Tce, Adelaide, near the Adelaide Casino.
5.30pm: Mr Modesti drops his son home at his mother’s Evanston Gardens house.
7.30pm: He orders a pizza, delivered to his Beverley home.
10.45pm: Mr Modesti speaks to his partner on the phone and says he is going to bed.
■ MONDAY, MAY 9
8.15am: Mr Modesti leaves his Beverley home. There is a possible sighting of his car on nearby Aroona Rd, West Croydon. There is a likely sighting of Mr Modesti on Kilkenny Rd, Woodville Park.
■ TUESDAY, MAY 10
His family tries to find him and then reports his disappearance to police.
■ WEDNESDAY, MAY 11
Mr Modesti’s car is found on Chenoweth Ave and examined. Police search his home and find his phone and wallet.
