Susan Goodwin’s family speaks after police arrest and charge a man in connection with her alleged murder
Following the arrest of a man for Susan Goodwin’s alleged murder, her grieving family has spoken out.
For 23 agonising years, the devastated family of missing Port Lincoln woman Susan Goodwin had waited – and hoped – for answers.
On Wednesday, a long-awaited breakthrough came as a man was arrested and charged with her murder.
Ms Goodwin’s family on Thursday released a heartfelt statement, expressing gratitude to police and supporters for their dedication and kindness, while sharing their struggle to come to terms with the loss of their beloved Sue.
“On behalf of myself Sue’s partner, Sue’s sister Chick, and Sue’s extended family we want to thank everyone involved in the search, investigation and discovery of Sue’s remains,” the family’s statement read.
“Your efforts over the past few days have finally brought us the answers we’ve been looking for after such a long time.
“We’d also like to give a heartfelt thank you to the people who have been on this journey with us over the years, both in friendship and through investigations – your ongoing support, care and pursuit of the truth have meant more than these few words can say.
“You’ve helped carry us through some of the hardest moments and we are incredibly grateful for that.”
Ms Goodwin’s partner, who asked not to be named, said it was a “very emotional and difficult time” for the family.
“Now begins a very personal journey for us as we try to come to terms with what’s happened; laying Sue to rest once this is over so that she can be at peace with family that has gone before her and finding some sense of peace and acceptance within ourselves,” they said.
“As you can imagine this is a very emotional and difficult time.
“We’re dealing with a lot and we ask for privacy and space so that we can look after our mental health and support each other.
“Thank you for your understanding.”
Port Lincoln man John Mislov was arrested on Wednesday and charged with Ms Goodwin’s murder.
The 64-year-old appeared in the Port Lincoln Magistrates Court on Thursday.
The breakthrough came after SA Police Major Crime detectives and Australian Federal Police officers launched a search of a Pamir Court, Port Lincoln property on Tuesday.
On Wednesday morning, the officers found human bones, believed to be Ms Goodwin’s, during preliminary excavations.
Police wrapped up the excavation on Thursday evening, Acting Detective Superintendent Andrew Macrae confirmed that officers had found a “full skeleton” along with some “belongings of Ms Goodwin.”
“Susan’s remains will now be transported to Adelaide for examination and formal identification for the Coroner,” he said.
“We have been regularly updating Susan’s family and are very grateful that after 23 years they can look forward to laying her to rest.”
Ms Goodwin was reported missing on July 19, 2002, she was 39-years-old at the time.
In the hour before her disappearance, Ms Goodwin was last seen at Coles and Woolworths supermarkets looking “distraught”, and failed to pick up her partner from work at 4.30pm that day.
At about 4.45pm, Ms Goodwin’s vehicle was found in the driveway of her home address — Police believe it was driven back to her house by someone else on the day she disappeared.
Ms Goodwin only had the clothes on her back and about $140 when she disappeared, leaving behind fresh meat ready to be cooked for an evening meal in her Moonta Crescent home, which she shared with her partner.
Tragically, both of Ms Goodwin’s parents, Don and Margaret, passed away in 2017 without knowing the fate of their daughter.
Don made a personal plea from his hospital room for answers, while he was battling cancer.
In a letter, he wrote: “Thirty years ago Suzy was in a tragic car accident … she survived but lost two sisters and only brother.
“Fifteen years ago we lost Suzy, believed now murdered in Port Lincoln.
“I am appealing to anyone (who) knows anything … I am desperate for answers as her remaining sister and mother need closure and some peace as our lives have been destroyed by these tragedies.”
Don succumbed to cancer only weeks later, followed by the death of Margaret later that year.
On Wednesday, Major Crime Investigation Branch Acting Detective Superintendent Andrew Macrae said the breakthrough in the 23-year-old case “should provide reassurance to the family and friends of other victims that Major Crime Investigation Branch continues to investigate cold case homicides”.
“It does not matter how old the case is, we will continue to review all available evidence and look for opportunities to resolve the matter,” he said.
“We would not have discovered these remains without information from the public.
“I would implore anyone who has information about any homicide to put themselves in the position of a family or friend of the victim and come forward by either contacting police directly or by contacting Crime Stoppers.”
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Originally published as Susan Goodwin’s family speaks after police arrest and charge a man in connection with her alleged murder
