Hunt for drivers of cars used in drug-debt murder of Robert Atkins
Police are hunting for the drivers of two cars used to drive around Robert Atkins, who was detained and assaulted for up to a week before being murdered.
Police & Courts
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Police are searching for the drivers of two vehicles they believe were used in the murder of Robert Atkins, who investigators now suspect was killed in Port Pirie over a drug debt in November last year.
Mr Atkins, 29, was held against his will and assaulted for up to a week at a Christie Downs house before being moved to Seaford and later taken to Port Pirie between November 16-17, where he was murdered, police say. His remains have not yet been found.
Police have seized the cars and are now investigating their usage in the days leading up to Mr Atkins’ murder.
They have searched homes in Mander Rd, Christie Downs and Halyard Crst, Seaford and a rural property at Booborowie.
Major Crime Detective Inspector Brett Featherby said a number of people were involved in both the murder and Mr Atkins’ assault and detention. Bikies are not involved, he said.
“We are aware that there is more than one suspect in relation to this matter,” he said.
“We have received 20 calls to Crime Stoppers that have help to advance the investigation and piece together Robert’s final moments.”
“Today we’re seeking to identify the occupants of the (cars). Both of those vehicles have been subjected to forensic testing and the results are looking promising.”
Investigators are looking for any information about the two cars, which are a 2010 black Jeep Cherokee, number plate S556 AJE, and a 2008 silver Nissan Pathfinder, rego plate BB744S.
Both cars have displayed false number plates in the past.
Police are seeking information from anyone who has seen the cars around Halyard Cres, Seaford and Mander Rd, Christie Downs during November last year.
The Jeep was stolen from a Millswood premises in late August or early September last year, Det Featherby said.
Mr Atkins’ final week would have been “horrific”,” he said.
“If you’re being held against your will, tortured and subsequently murdered, I can’t imagine the fear that would be going through his mind.”
Police say Mr Atkins had drug debts and was held against his will and assaulted for up to a week before his murder last year.
He has not used his phone or bank accounts since November 2020, and was reported missing by his mother in January.
Immediately before his disappearance, Mr Atkins – who was known to police – was staying with friends at a home on Mander Rd at Christie Downs.
Detectives last month searched the Mander Rd property and seized sections of flooring and a couch for forensic analysis.
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