Murdered man Robert Atkins held against will, assaulted for up to a week before his death, police say

A southern suburbs man with drug debts was held against his will and assaulted for up to a week before his murder last year, police say.

Police say Robert Atkins was murdered in November 2020. Picture: SA Police

A southern suburbs man with drug debts was held against his will and assaulted for up to a week before his murder last year, police say.

Robert Atkins, 29, of Christie Downs, has not used his phone or bank accounts since November 2020, and was reported missing by his mother in January.

Detective Inspector Brett Featherby, of the Major Crime investigation branch, said police now know Mr Atkins has been murdered.

JUST IN: Murdered Christie Downs man Robert Atkins was held against his will and assaulted for 4-7 days prior to his death. The 29y/o was involved in the drug scene - he was last seen in November & reported missing in January. @theTiserpic.twitter.com/gYg7DCveio

— Kathryn Bermingham (@KatBermingham) July 23, 2021

“What we are aware of is Robert was held against his will and assaulted for four-seven days prior to his death,” he said on Friday.

Immediately before his disappearance, Mr Atkins - who was known to police - was staying with friends at a home on Mander Road at Christie Downs.

Prior to that, he moved from house-to-house while maintaining irregular contact with his family.

Detectives on Thursday night searched the Mander Road property and seized sections of flooring for forensic analysis.

They spent several hours at the premises, before returning on Friday, when they removed a couch from the home.

Major Crime detectives recover a couch from the home on Mander Road at Christie Downs.Picture: Tom Huntley

The couch is loaded onto a truck. Floorboards from the home have also been seized for forensic analysis. Picture: Tom Huntley

Detective Inspector Featherby appealed for anyone with knowledge of the murder or events in the lead-up to come forward.

“What we are after is anyone that saw anyone acting suspiciously in early to mid-November in Mander Road at Christie Downs,” he said.

“We are seeking people to come forward and do the right thing by Robert’s family and provide information which will help us arrest those responsible for his murder.”

Detective Inspector Brett Featherby, of the Major Crime Investigation Branch, gives an update on the murder of Robert Atkins. Picture: Kathryn Bermingham

He said there was “no doubt” that Mr Atkins’ involvement in the local drug scene led to his death, and police were aware he owed drug debts.

“From what we’re aware of, they weren’t significant (debts) but unfortunately, in the drug scene, you don’t have to have significant debts for harm to come to someone,” he said.

Police believe “more than one or two persons” were involved in Mr Atkins’ murder. His body has not been found.

They are appealing for anyone of knowledge with information to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Between 5pm and 9pm on Friday night, Major Crime detectives will be available to speak with callers.