Murder investigation launched after human remains found at Williamstown identified as Ian Lees

Police have launched an investigation into the murder of 53-year-old man Ian Lees, after his remains were found at Williamstown last month.

Police have launched an investigation into the murder of Ian Lees.

Police have launched a murder investigation into the death of Modbury North man Ian Lees after his remains were found at Williamstown last month.

On Friday, Detective Inspector Brett Featherby said DNA analysis identified human bones, which were discovered by a walker travelling through Hale Conservation park on July 26, as 53-year-old Ian Lees.

Mr Lees was last seen on February 28 this year and reported missing by a family member on March 4.

Police say Mr Lees, who was described as a “very jovial and social person with a large friendship group” and a passionate Port Adelaide supporter, had suffered significant physical injuries before his death.

The discovery is now being treated as suspected murder.

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Det Insp Featherby said Mr Lees, who was an avid football fan who “enjoyed debating statistics” and had a keen knowledge of the game, left his Modbury North home about 6.30pm on February 28 this year.

He was last ween at 2.48am the following morning, walking in a northerly direction on Fairleigh Ave.

On March 1 2022, Mr Lees’ mobile phone was located at Civic Park, opposite Tea Tree Plaza, by council workers.

Mr Lees was reported missing on March 4 and his belongings, including a backpack, wallet, keys and thongs, were located in bushes in a reserve at the end of Fairleigh Ave shortly after.

Det Insp Featherby said it appeared nothing had been stolen and the items were “just left there” at that location.

Mr Lees had not tried to access any of his bank accounts and a deposit made by a family member on March 8 had not been accessed, he said.

Police and detectives at Hale Conservation Park last month, where Mr Lees’ remains were found. Picture: Roy VanDervegt

A missing person post shared to social media on March 9 said Mr Lees was wearing a black Metallica shirt, black pants and a black baseball cap prior to his disappearance.

Police said Mr Lees would regularly frequent the area of Modbury North and Tea Tree Plaza with a blue heeler dog named Jasper.

Mr Lees’ home address was currently being searched by police in relation to the suspected murder but no further information could be given due to operational reasons, Det Insp Featherby said.

Police are now appealing for assistance from the public for any information over Mr Lees’ disappearance or the events leading to the circumstances of his death – in particular, dashcam footage from Ladywood Drive, Montague Rd, Fairleigh Ave and North East Rd between 5pm on February 27, 2022 and 9am on March 1, 2022.

A forensic investigation was undertaken to identify the remains. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Det Insp Featherby said Mr Lees’ remains were located off a fire track approximately 50m in bushland at Hale Conservation Park.

“We’re currently working on several lines of inquiry and strongly urge anyone with information over Ian’s disappearance to come forward.”

Police “would not speculate” on how Mr Lees’ injuries occurred or whether there were weapons involved, but believed his death occurred between March 1 and March 7.

Det Insp Featherby said it was not known whether the death occurred at Hale Conservation Park or elsewhere, but believed Mr Lees’ body had been at the location for “months” before it was found on July 26.

Police are also looking to identify whether he had been involved in an argument prior to his disappearance.

“There’s a number of unanswered questions ... we don’t know exactly where his death may have occurred. We’re seeking information as to where that occurred and how he ended up at Hale Conservation Park,” Det Insp Featherby said.

Speaking to The Advertiser on 18 May, two weeks after Mr Lees was reported missing, his niece Grace said the family was “grieving” his disappearance.

Ingle Farm Football Club life member Bill Collins said Mr Lees was a huge part of the community in his younger years and he was missed among members.

Mr Lees used to coach A grade football and was a previous volunteer after playing there in his youth.

“He’s a good mate of mine, I was chairman for six or seven years and he helped me out,” Mr Collins said.

“A lot of the people in the club or who have been involved in the club are feeling his absence … it’s very out of character for him to not be in contact with his friends.”

With two brothers and five nieces, family said Mr Lees loved bands like Metallica and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Dep Insp Featherby said Mr Lees was a “very jovial person” and his family had been informed of the suspected murder.

“It’s extremely difficult when you have someone that has been reported as a missing person ... unfortunately in this circumstance, their loved one hasn’t returned home.

“I can’t put myself in their place but I can only imagine how heartbreaking that might be.”