Human remains found on vacant Salisbury South block identified as missing man Geoffrey McLean

Human remains found in a vacant Salisbury South lot have been identified as those of missing man Geoffrey McLean. Police are searching for more body parts so they can be returned to his family.

Dismembered human remains found dumped in a wheelie bin on a vacant Salisbury South lot have been identified as missing man Geoffrey McLean. 

Police said Mr McLean had been brutally murdered, with his remains dismembered and dumped in a wheelie bin. Only his torso has been recovered by police.

The remains were discovered by a worker in long grass on Cheviot Rd, Salisbury South, on Monday – but were too decomposed for police to determine an age or sex.

Forensic testing has confirmed they belong to Mr McLean – who was last seen at his Andrews Farm home on August 18.

Major crime detective inspector Brett Featherby said police are now working to identify the people that were responsible for his murder.

“At this stage we believe there was more than one person involved in his murder and disposal of his body,” he said.

“We believe that they were going to bury his remains at that location and they may have been disturbed or were just lazy and left his remains at that location.”

Mr Mclean’s immediate family has been notified of the discovery but did not wish to make any comment.

Detective inspector Featherby said they do not believe drugs were the motive for his death.

“The investigation is in its infancy and we have a number of theories that may relate to the motive. At this stage we do not believe it was drug-related,” he said.

Mr McLean was the victim of two horrific acid attacks, a serious assault and had his car torched just months before he vanished in August.

The most serious occured on May 11 when he was doused in petrol and hydrochloric acid.

He was rushed to hospital for treatment, while the suspect sustained head injuries in the altercation.

Police are reviewing those violent assaults in light of this week’s discovery.

“We believe Geoffrey’s murder is a direct culmination of those violent attacks that occurred on him in the months preceding his death,” detective inspector Featherby said.

Police are searching for more of Mr McLean’s body parts and have appealed to anyone with any information to come forward so they can be returned to the family.

They also are urging anyone who saw suspicious activity around Cheviot Rd, Salisbury South in the early hours of Friday August 19, 2022, to contact them.

McLean, 55, was last seen at his Andrews Farm home on August 18.

Police believe Mr McLean left his home address on August 19 about 4am, when he went to meet a person who has yet to be identified.

He was not reported missing until August 29.

Detective inspector Featherby said they would explore why it took so long for anyone to come forward.

“As with any of these offences, we’ll investigate family, friends and associates to identify whether they actually had any involvement in the offence.”

The remains have been identified as those of missing Andrews Farm man Geoffrey McLean. Pictures: Facebook

Last month, police underwent a major operation at Stebonheath Park on Davoren Rd involving eight mounted police, at least three divers and a drone in a bid to locate Mr McLean.

The remains found by a worker in long grass on Cheviot Rd, Salisbury South, on Monday – but was too decomposed for police to determine an age or sex.

SA Police Detective Inspector Brett Featherby said grass on the block was last mowed in March this year and was more than 1.5m high when the remains were found.

Police search through trees in a vacant paddock on Cheviot Rd in Salisbury South where the decomposed body was found. Picture: Brenton Edwards

On Tuesday, Star Group officers were seen examining a group of trees and shrubs towards the back of the paddock in Salisbury South, moving into the area with whipper snippers and metal detectors.

They also showed interest in metal barrels near those shrubs on the block.

Investigations are continuing into the circumstances surrounding Mr McLean’sdeath but police believe they are suspicious.

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or online at crimestopperssa.com.au