Police have scaled back the search for 27-year-old Jack McLennan, who went missing in the South Burnett two and a half weeks ago, with a homicide investigation squad now launching into action.
Mr McLennan was last seen near swimming spot Ficks Crossing on the evening of Friday, 4 October, with his unexplained disappearance triggering a widespread search effort from police dog and dive squads, state emergency services, and community members.
Over the weekend of 19 and 20 October, police officially scaled back the search for Mr McLennan, having found his shoes and hat but no further signs of the missing man.
The Queensland Police Service are now investigating whether Mr McLennan may have fallen victim to a crime.
The QPS have tasked the Darling Downs Criminal Investigation Branch and Homicide Investigation Unit with looking into Mr McLennan’s disappearance, launching ‘Operation Whiskey Pocket’ to gather evidence.
The public are meanwhile urged to keep an eye out for any signs of the missing 27-year-old.
Jack McLennan is described as white-skinned, approximately 185cm tall with light brown hair and brown eyes.
Police have asked residents of the areas around Murgon and Wondai to check their properties, paying particular attention to sheds and other outbuildings for signs of the missing man.
Anyone with information about Mr McLennan’s whereabouts is urged to immediately contact police.
The QPS have renewed their calls for a person of interest to come forward, whom they believe may have seen Mr McLennan before his disapperance on 4 October.
The person, who officers believed was travelling in a dark-coloured car with a rooftop tent, was reportedly camping at Ficks Crossing on the night Mr McLennan was last seen.
QPS investigators are also interested in any information of a person seen walking along the Bunya Highway towards Wondai around 10.40pm on 4 October.
If you see Jack McLennan or have any other information regarding the investigation, contact police on 131 444 or 1800 333 000, quoting reference number QP2401711494.
