By Riley Walter and Sally Rawsthorne
A man whose body was found partially buried in a paddock on Sydney’s north-western fringe had links to the drug trade and may have been trying to break into an associate’s car before his death, his family says.
A family member directed police to the body of Johnny Birch, 40, partially buried in a paddock near a home at Gleness Place in Glenorie on Friday morning. The family member had reported him missing about 9pm on Thursday.
Johnny Birch had links to the drug trade, his family says.Credit: Facebook
Detectives on Friday arrested two men, aged 24 and 34, and a 35-year-old woman at the property. On Saturday morning, the trio were let go by police. None have been charged.
A relative of Birch, who asked to remain anonymous, said a cousin of Birch had found his body after becoming concerned for his welfare. It is unclear how long Birch’s body had been in the paddock or when he was killed.
“He’d been missing for a short time, and they went looking for him,” the relative said. “They obviously knew something about where he was going.”
The relative said Birch had served several stints in prison and had links to the drug trade. “He had a few issues,” they said. “He was a good family man but ... what he did [outside] of family was a bit shaky.”
The relative said Birch was believed to have been trying to break into an associate’s car at the Glenorie property before his death.
NSW Police has launched Strike Force Halderen to investigate the circumstances around Birch’s death. Detectives are reviewing CCTV from around Gleness Place. Crime scenes remain in place at the property where Birch was found.
Hills Police Area Commander, Detective Superintendent Naomi Moore, said on Friday afternoon that objects covering Birch’s body had delayed officers’ attempts to unearth the body.
Anyone with information about Birch’s death is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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