Person seen searching reserve in darkness could hold vital clue in murder of Modbury North man Ian Lees

Police have released CCTV footage of a person searching a reserve in darkness by torchlight where murdered man Ian Lees was last seen – is it the breakthrough police need?

A person seen searching a reserve in darkness and an anonymous call to Crimestopper with “critical” information could crack open the case of a murdered man.

Modbury North man Ian Lees was last seen on February 28 and suffered “a very violent death” before his remains were found bushland in July. Robbery is not believed to be a motive and his death was not random, police say.

He was last seen at 2.48am walking north on Fairleigh Ave in Modbury North, Detective Inspector Brett Featherby said – his remains were found in Hale Conservation park on July 26 by a bushwalker.

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

His bag, with beer cans inside – some full – thongs and wallet were found along the fence line at Fairleigh Reserve in Modbury North, two minutes’ walk from Civic Park.

“His phone’s been located at the park, his wallet’s been located at the park, his backpack’s been located at the park. Anything that normally would be stolen was at that location,” Det Insp Featherby said.

Detectives want to speak to a person seen on CCTV searching the northern end of Fairleigh Reserve in Modbury North in darkness – about 5.42am on March 2 – in the area near where Mr Lees was last seen and his belongings were located.

Police also want to speak to two individuals seen walking south out of the Fairleigh Ave reserve around 1:04am on March 1.

Another person contacted Crimestoppers with “critical” information about where Mr Lees’ remains were hidden.

“On 28 July we had a person contact Crimestoppers, that person has provided specific details to the Crimestoppers website about where Ian’s remains may be located,” Det Insp Featherby said. “That person’s information is absolutely critical.”

Police have launched a murder investigation after finding the remains of missing man Ian Lees in a reserve near Williamstown.

Mr Lees was last seen on February 28.

Detectives will be available by calling Crimestoppers between 5-9 tonight on 1800 333 000. Callers can remain anonymous.

Police are also seeking information from friends about conflicts at time of his death.

“We want those people to contact Crimestoppers and speak to detectives this evening,” he said.

“We are fully aware that there are people with knowledge of what’s occurred.

“In relation to motive, there are still a lot of unanswered question ... we are keeping an open mind as to what may have occurred, but it is clear he has suffered a very violent death.”

Det Insp Featherby said it didn’t appear Mr Lees’ death was random.

“The public shouldn’t be alarmed, as we believe Ian’s death was caused by people known to him,” he said.

On Thursday, police searched Mr Lees’ home address, seizing a car at the property and his clothing for forensic examination.

They also released a of picture of Mr Lees’ blue-heeler dog Jasper, which he regularly walked around Fairleigh Reserve and Civic Park, hoping it would prompt people to contact them with information about his last movements.

Ian Lees’ blue-heeler dog ‘Jasper’. Picture: SA Police

Ian Lees’ backpack located at Fairleigh Reserve. Picture: SA Police

Ian Lees’ backpack and other belongings located at Fairleigh Reserve. Picture: SA Police

Ian’s niece Grace Lees said her uncle was mourned by hundreds of people at his funeral.

“He loved Port Adelaide … and everyone at the funeral was wearing Port Power guernseys and scarfs,” Ms Lees said.

“Uncle Ian meant to much to us … he was the ‘funcle’– the fun uncle.

“He always made everyone laugh as kids, we were in awe of him, just a fun-loving nature, he was a great uncle.”

She said the family was desperately hoping someone would come forward to help solve what had happened to Mr Lees.

Police launched a murder investigation into the death of Mr Lees after his remains were found at Williamstown last month.

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

Speaking to The Advertiser on May 18, his niece Grace said the family was “grieving” his disappearance.

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

The discovery of his remains is being treated as suspected murder.

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.

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.