On 26 July 2022, Police were called to the Hale Conservation Park near Williamstown, where a bushwalker located human remains. Those remains have been identified through DNA analysis as 53 year old missing person Ian Lees.
Ian Lees was reported missing on 4 March 2022 and was last seen on 1 March in Fairleigh Avenue, Modbury North.
Acting Officer in Charge of Major Crime Investigation Branch, Detective Inspector Brett Featherby said since his disappearance Ian has not accessed his bank accounts.
"Police have conducted a comprehensive investigation into Ian's lifestyle and movements in the lead up to his disappearance. Public transport and taxis in the area have been canvassed and CCTV footage analysed which has identified Ian is last seen walking north on Fairleigh Avenue at about 2.48 am on 1 March." Detective Inspector Featherby said.
"On 1 March, council workers found Ian's mobile phone in Civic Park, Modbury North, while his backpack, wallet, keys and thongs were located in bushes at the end of Fairleigh Avenue days later.
Ian was known to frequent this area and would often be seen walking his blue heeler dog, Jasper around the Modbury North area.
"Following our investigations we now suspect Ian may have been murdered. We also believe people have knowledge of Ian's disappearance and suspected murder," he said.
"Investigators are working on several lines of enquiry and strongly urge anyone who may have information surrounding the circumstances of Ian's disappearance and death to contact police."
Detectives involved in the investigation will be available between 5pm and 9pm tonight to speak to members of the public with knowledge of Ian's disappearance. They can call Crime Stoppers on 1300 333 000 and remain anonymous.
Anyone with dashcam footage between 5pm on 27 February 2022 and 9am on 1 March 2022 in the following areas of Modbury North is also asked to contact Crime Stoppers:
Ladywood Drive
Montague Road
Fairleigh Avenue
North East Road
Police are also looking for dashcam footage or information about people acting suspiciously around Warren Road, Williamstown in the vicinity of Hale Conservation Park between 3.00am on 1 March 2022 and 7 March 2022.
If you have any information about Ian's disappearance please contact Crime Stoppers on 1300 000 333, you can remain anonymous.
