‘No one could help me now’: Missing teenager’s chilling last words to witness

A missing Queensland teenager is now the subject of a homicide inquiry, with police believing he was shot dead four years ago.

Queensland teenager Linden Malayta is feared dead in a significant development to a perplexing four-year-long missing person case.

According to Queensland Police, the teenager, who would be 18 years old now, may have been shot dead shortly after telling a friend he feared for his life

He was last seen aged 15 in Ayr and was thought to have travelled south to Townsville in March 2019 “in the company of relatives and associates”.

Ayr teenager Linden Malayta has not been seen since March, 2019. Picture: Supplied

Mr Malayta may have been shot and killed after expressing fear for his life, according to Queensland police. Picture: Supplied

On Monday, detectives confirmed newly received information from an “independent and reliable witness” suggests an altercation occurred within the group and a firearm was used, resulting in Mr Malayta’s death.

Detectives now seek to ascertain whether his suspected death was accidental or deliberate.

“During this interaction, Linden told the witness he was in fear for his life, and he had ‘come to say goodbye,’” said Child Protection and Investigation unit officer Dave Miles in a statement on Monday.

“The witness urged Linden to speak to the police, but Linden stated, ‘No one could help me now.’”

Detective senior sergeant David Miles. Detectives are investigating whether Mr Malayta’s suspected death was accidental or deliberate. Picture: Evan Morgan

Queensland police have revealed that an examination of numerous “potential historic crime scenes” associated with the altercation is underway.

They include the homes of relatives and associates Mr Malayta may have visited near the time of his death.

In his Monday statement, Detective Miles reminded the public of a significant $500,000 reward issued in March for information leading to the identification and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the suspected murder of Mr Malayta.

“We encourage anyone with knowledge or who may have witnessed any incidents involving Linden to come forward,” he pleaded.

Linden Malayta was last seen in Ayr in March 2019 and was possibly travelling to Townsville with relatives and associates. Picture: Supplied

“If you are concerned about your safety or welfare, information can be provided anonymously.

“It is important the community rallies together to bring Linden home.

“Linden’s family has not given up hope and deserves answers. Police will continue to investigate, to find those answers for Linden’s loved ones.”

Selwyn Malayta, Linden’s uncle, drowned in Plantation Creek in Ayr after wandering into the water late at night in September.

Adding further mystery to the disappearance, the Courier Mail reported Mr Malayta did not become a missing person until 2021 – two years after he disappeared, according to the latest police timeline.