Task Force Southern was initiated in November 2021 to investigate the murders of Robert Atkins and Jeff Mundy, as well as the murder, unlawful detention and serious assault of Trevor King.
Today, Task Force Southern arrested five people in relation to the unlawful detention or murder of 29 year old Robert Atkins in November 2020. Robert was reported missing to police by his mother on 2 January 2021 after she had not heard from him for two months.
It is believed that Robert was held against his will between 8 November and 16 November 2020 in the southern suburbs of Adelaide and was murdered on or about 16 November 2020. It is believed Roberts remains have been buried in the Mid North of South Australia. His remains have not yet been recovered despite extensive searches.
Those arrested today include:
- 32 year old male at the Yatala Labour Prison for murder, unlawful detention and one count of assault causing harm.
- 32 year old male from Christies Downs for unlawful detention and two counts of assault causing harm.
- 43 year old male was at the Adelaide Remand Centre for unlawful detention and one count of assault causing harm.
- 25 year old female arrested at the Adelaide Women's Prison for unlawful detention and two counts of causing harm.
- 33 year old male was arrested at the Adelaide Remand Centre for procuring a person to cause harm to another person and procuring the unlawful detention of another person.
It is anticipated that bail will be refused and all accused will appear before the Adelaide Magistrates Court on 20 April 2023.
The investigation into Robert's murder is ongoing. Major Crime is still investigating the involvement of other people who may have assisted those arrested today.
Detective Chief Inspector Brett Featherby said: "Major Crime is still investigating the involvement of other people who may have assisted with the disposal of Robert's body, assisted those involved in his unlawful detention and murder, or disposing of other evidence including a firearm and ammunition in the Mid North.
"The penalty for any person found guilty of assisting offenders in murder is a term of imprisonment of up to 10 years.
"If people are found guilty of Robert's murder and his remains aren't located, when lawfully able to we intend to invoke the powers of the Correctional Services Act in respect to what is commonly known as the 'no body no parole' law, where if an offender is convicted and does not cooperate the Parole Board cannot consider parole."
Anyone with information in relation to the murder of Robert Atkins, Jeff Mundy or Trevor King is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 – you can remain anonymous.
Detective Chief Inspector Brett Featherby speaks to media this afternoon
