’Targeted, vicious assault’: Nathan Russell’s death in Adelaide declared major crime

Police say the man who was discovered dead in his Adelaide unit was the victim of a ‘vicious assault’ in what’s been declared a major crime.

Nathan Russell was killed in a “vicious, targeted” attack on Sturt St. Picture: Supplied / SA Police

Police are appealing to the public for information about a “vicious assault” on an Adelaide father who was found dead inside his CBD home on Tuesday night.

The body of Nathan Russell, 46, was discovered inside his Housing SA unit on Sturt Street, between King William Street and Whitmore Square, by a friend who contacted police about 6.30pm.

The incident is being treated as suspicious.

Major Crime Investigation’s Acting Officer in Charge Detective Inspector Brett Featherby said the victim’s friend attended the unit after failing to contact him and found the door unlocked.

Nathan Russell has been identified as the victim. Picture: Supplied / SA Police

Police were called to the apartment building on Sturt St about 6.30pm on Tuesday. Picture: Tom Huntley

The 46-year-old’s body was found inside his Sturt St unit. Picture: Tom Huntley

He said he could not comment on how Mr Russell died or if a weapon was involved for operational reasons.

“Nathan was targeted at that address and was subjected to a vicious attack which unfortunately caused his death,” Mr Featherby said.

“Investigators believe people have knowledge of what has occurred to Nathan and/or the circumstances leading up to his death.”

Mr Featherby said investigators were conducting a number of inquiries and were working to determine if there was forced entry into the unit.

At this stage, it also remains unclear how many people participated in the attack and if drugs were involved.

There are also currently no suspects.

A broken window at the block of units was seen from Sturt Street. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Morgan Sette

“As to whether it’s gang related, at this time we cannot confirm that,” Mr Featherby said.

“They (the culprits) have attended to target him. There is no doubt they intended to assault him but whether they intended to kill him I can’t comment on that until the investigation is complete.

“There have been a number of items seized from his premises and in the vicinity and we’re ascertaining whether they have anything to do with or have been involved in his murder.”

Mr Featherby said the victim’s family were “extremely distressed” and that Victim Contact Officers have offered them support at this “difficult time”.

Police are appealing for anyone with information about the murder to contact Crime Stoppers. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Morgan Sette

Forensic Crime Scene examiners and Major Crime also attended the scene. Picture: Tom Huntley

The scene was examined by detectives from Eastern District CIB and Major Crime Investigation Branch as well as Forensic Crime Scene inspectors on Tuesday night.

“We’ve had scene guards there all night and crime scene are re-attending this morning,” Senior Constable Mick Abbott told ABC Radio Adelaide on Wednesday morning.

Anyone who saw anything suspicious between the evening of January 25 up until 6.28pm the following day is also being asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.