Man charged over brutal bashing of Trevor King, 11 months before his mystery death

Major Crime detectives have arrested a man in connection to the violent and prolonged assault of Trevor King, who death was allegedly staged to look like a drug overdose.

Major Crime detectives have arrested and charged a 44-year-old man from Hallett Cove in connection to the unlawful detention and aggravated assault of Trevor King, who was later found deceased in the water at West Lakes.

The man was arrested over the allegedly “violent and prolonged” assault, which police allege occurred on February 5, 2019, in North Plympton.

Less than a year later on January 4, 2020, Mr King’s body was found in West Lakes and was initially treated as a suicide.

A post mortem at the time determined his death was the result of a drug overdose but police now believe his death was staged to look like an overdose.

Trevor King, 44, was found dead in January, 2020. Picture: SA Police

The Hallett Cove man did not apply for bail and will appear in the Christies Beach Magistrates Court on February 1.

The arrest was a result of a cold case investigation review by Task Force Southern, with police anticipating more arrests.

The arrested man and three other suspects were arrested and charged with these offences in early 2019, but the charges were withdrawn later that year.

In December 2021, police launched Task Force Southern – one of the largest investigations of its type, involving 42 detectives, intelligence officers and forensic scientists – to investigate the murders of Mr King, Robert Atkins and Trevor King.

The murders are believed to be linked, with drug debts allegedly a motive in at least some of the killings.