Bevan von Einem: Killers remains to be given to next of kin after death at Yatala

The state government has confirmed what will happen with Bevan von Einem’s remains after the killer died at Yatala Prison on Saturday.

The remains of notorious child murderer Bevan Spencer von Einem will be returned to his next of kin, the state government has confirmed.

Von Einem had lung cancer and died aged 79, while serving a life sentence at Yatala Labour Prison, on Saturday.

Von Einem was convicted of the 1983 murder of 15-year-old Adelaide teenager Richard Kelvin and linked to the group known as “The Family” and suspected of four unsolved murders.

Premier Peter Malinauskas told the media on Sunday there was still an “active police investigation” into The Family murders.

Bevan von Einem died in prison on Saturday.

His victim was Richard Kelvin.

“They (the police) remain as committed as ever to seeking justice for other families of the victims of The Family murders, but also to make sure that any other perpetrators are brought to justice,” Mr Malinauskas said.

In reaction to news of his death, those closest to his victim say the hunt for truth is not finished.

For Richard’s best friend, Karl Brooks, who was one of the last people to see the teenager alive, the news brought only relief.

Karl Brooks was Richard Kelvin's best mate. Picture: Dean Martin

“Man, am I happy,” he said, holding a celebratory glass of Jack Daniels.

Rick Sarre, a professor of law and criminal justice at UniSA, said the absence of a bedside confession is deeply “regrettable,” but in reality “commonplace” for offenders who refuse to make confessions before dying.

By dying without speaking, he said von Einem “shielded his accomplices to his death,” leaving those individuals likely to “go to their graves without being named” unless there is a major breakthrough in the case.

Originally published as Bevan von Einem: Killers remains to be given to next of kin after death at Yatala