Former William Tyrrell cop reveals foster mother’s heartbreaking text

As the world continues to wonder about what happened to William Tyrrell, a former detective reveals a stunning new message.

OPINION

“Another birthday has come and gone; William would be turning 14 today and it’s been almost 11 years since we last held him, kissed him goodnight and told him we loved him.”

That’s a message I received from William’s foster mother, who was looking after him at the time of his disappearance. She is also the person who some NSW Police believe has knowledge or involvement in his disappearance. I am not one of those. I have consistently and publicly stated I do not believe the foster mother was involved.

That opinion is not offered lightly, it is not a good look when a former cop who left the police in controversial circumstances, having been charged and convicted for actions carried out whilst leading the investigation into William’s disappearance, makes comments like that.

But, if there is one thing I learnt as a homicide detective, it is that facts should always outweigh suspicions. I watched the inquest with great interest as evidence was presented over the past six years – an extraordinarily long time for a coronial investigation to last.

Photo of William Tyrrell wearing the actual Spiderman suit in which he disappeared in. Picture: Supplied

There has been no evidence I have seen presented at this inquest into William’s disappearance that suggests the foster mother’s involvement.

Deputy State Coroner Graham is yet to hand down her findings, and Australia and the world is left speculating as to what happened to William.

In the past decade numerous lives have been destroyed. None more so than those close to William. Both his foster family and biological families have been living this ongoing nightmare with no answers as to what happened to their child.

It’s understandable that William’s birthday amplifies these emotions. Birthdays are traditionally a time to celebrate and reflect, but the arrival of William’s birthday can only bring unimaginable pain. Fourteen is such an awkward age in a young man’s life.

It’s a time when you are experiencing and feeling emotions, you don’t fully understand, and life, although confusing, is also exciting. William’s families have missed the opportunity to see him blossom, making those tentative steps into adulthood.

Former homicide detective Gary Jubelin. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Jeremy Piper

There was another part to William’s foster mother’s message that read: “With the passage of time our love for him has not diminished; our determination to find out what happened to him has not diminished; our fight for those responsible to be held accountable has not diminished.”

She also asked that I share this message to anyone who has any information at all about William: “Please don’t give up on William; he deserves more. Someone knows something; don’t let the opportunity to help find William slip by. Please report any information that may assist Police find William directly to Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 or [e-mail] Make the report today. Help us find our beautiful boy.”

That is a message from someone who wants answers to what happened to William and for people to be held accountable. She is not giving up hope. I suspect that is a view held by all those touched by William’s disappearance and there are not many people in Australia who haven’t been affected by the disappearance of a three-year-old boy with his whole life in front of him.

For what it’s worth, I think this matter can still be solved.

The foster parents of William Tyrrell, pictured in 2023. Picture: NCA Newswire/Gaye Gerard

Time and again, you see police crack cases that were previously unsolved.

In William’s case, I am aware of information obtained when I was working on the investigation that might provide answers. Whether those lines of inquiry have been fully explored since my departure, I can’t say.

The investigation into the disappearance of William has been shrouded in controversy. A controversy that must affect the public’s trust and confidence in the investigation. I have been part of this controversy and I don’t shy away from my responsibility there. There is an accepted responsibility and accountability when investigating the disappearance of a three-year-old child.

A computer generated image of what William Tyrrell would look like 10 years after his disappearance. Picture: 10 News

Police should be judged by their response and if mistakes were made those responsible should be held accountable. I have suggested that there should be an independent review of the investigation and let facts decide if mistakes were made.

Too many lies have been destroyed and we need to learn from those lesson, so it doesn’t happen again.

At this stage no date has been set down for the coroner to hand down her findings following one of NSW’s longest inquests. Let’s hope when she does it provides answers. William deserves that.

Gary Jubelin is a former NSW homicide detective, author and host of the ‘I Catch Killers’ podcast. He served as the lead investigator on the William Tyrrell case for four years.

Originally published as Former William Tyrrell cop reveals foster mother’s heartbreaking text