Murder victim Geoffrey McLean’s torso dumped in green waste bin stolen from nearby Brahma Lodge home, police say

Police say they’re closing in on those responsible for the gruesome murder of Geoffrey McLean, revealing they’ve identified where the bin used to dump his torso came from.

For the first time, police have shown the bin that missing man Geoffrey McLean’s dismembered remains was discovered in as they launch a fresh plea to find those responsible for his gruesome murder.

Police will drop letters to 100 northern-suburbs properties in a bid for information after the torso of Mr McLean, 55, was found inside a wheelie bin at Salisbury South in October last year.

The green waste bin was stolen from a home on Eastview Street at Brahma Lodge just blocks from where the 55-year-old was dumped, police said on Thursday.

The owners of the property have been ruled out as suspects.

Police said the bin was believed to have been stolen either at the time of Mr McLean’s murder or in the subsequent weeks.

“We’re asking for public assistant to identify if there’s anyone in Eastview Street or the surrounds that might have seen someone either wheeling the wheelie bin from that location … or placing that wheelie bin into a vehicle in the vicinity,” Major Crime detective inspector Brett Featherby said.

Det Insp Featherby also appealed for dashcam footage from August 18, 2022, and early September, 2022, from Eastview St or Chevoit Rd, where Mr McLean’s body was found.

Police say a bin containing Geoffrey McLean's torso was stolen from a nearby home.

Police have not yet been able to locate Mr McLean’s head and limbs.

“You wouldn’t wish that on anyone. I can’t imagine the pain it’s causing his family,” Det Insp Featherby said.

“The nature of which he’s been killed and disposed of, I hope there are people who want to assist the police, and more importantly the family, in getting the answers.”

Police have also appealed for the person behind an anonymous tip-off following the murder of missing man Geoffrey McLean to come forward, saying they could be key to finding his killers.

The person, who provided “accurate information” to Crime Stoppers shortly after Mr McLean’s body was found, could prove crucial to the investigation.

The caller could remain anonymous, Det Insp Featherby said.

“The information that was provided not only related to his murder, but also related to previous offences of violence against Geoffrey,” Det Insp Featherby said.

“We believe that information … will go a long way to solving the murder. I cannot impress enough how important that information is.”

Geoffrey McLean is believed to have been brutally murdered. Picture: Facebook

Mr McLean was the victim of two horrific acid attacks, a serious assault and had his car torched between April 2022 and May 2022, all of which are believed to be linked to his murder.

The most serious occurred 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 believe two people attempted to bury Mr McLean on the block where his body was found but abandoned their efforts, either because the ground was too hard or they were disturbed.

CCTV from a commercial premises near the Salisbury South block has identified two people “acting suspiciously” and entering the area with torches or head lamps at 4:45am on August 24 last year, Det Insp Featherby said.

Police search through trees in the vacant paddock on Cheviot Rd in Salisbury South where Mr McLean’s torso was found. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Police have released images of tools found at the crime scene. Picture: SA Police

More tools found at the scene where the torso of Geoffrey McLean was recovered. Picture: SA Police

It is unknown whether the footage is from when the remains were dumped or from another occasion.

At the site, police located two shovels, a post hole digger and a gardening fork in “relatively new” condition.

“We’re now canvassing all businesses in the northern suburbs to identify who stocks those items and whether they had been purchased prior to, or after Geoffrey’s death,” Det Insp Featherby.

“I’m confident we will hold those responsible for Geoffrey’s brutal murder to account.”

Police said they did not believe the motive for the murder was drug related but declined to comment further.

Mr McLean was last been seen alive at his Andrews Farm home on August 18, 2022.