Parents make desperate plea one year after son, 4, vanishes

A year since their precious son Gus mysteriously disappeared from their South Australian farm, Joshua Lamont and Jessica Murray have urged anyone with information to speak up.

On Saturday, 27 September 2025, the curly-haired four-year-old vanished without a trace, prompting a nationwide search over the next 30 days. 11 ground teams were deployed, alongside drones fitted with specialist equipment.

Due to lack of evidence, Task Force Horizon detectives theorise that Gus Lamont did not wander away from the remote Oak Park Station property, nor was he abducted by an unknown figure.

The missing child investigation, which is offering a reward of up to $1 million (£532,945), remains fixed on a person known to the Lamont family being involved.

In an emotional video posted to South Australia Police's social media channels this week, Jessica's plea began: "The disappearance of our son, Gus, has been the most devastating and inexplicable event we have ever experienced. We love him more than words can convey and every single day without him has been incredibly difficult.

Jessica Murray and Josh Lamont have made a public plea, one year since their little boy Gus disappeared (South Australian Police)

"Our heartache only grows as time passes and an entire year without any answers is upon us. Our memories of Gus are of a beautiful, sweet and unique little boy who loved music, listening to stories and playing in the natural world. Gus was growing up in an amazing environment, one that I cherish as my childhood home; he was learning so much and had such a bright future ahead of him.

"But all of this has now been taken away from him. During the time Gus has been missing, he should've celebrated his fifth birthday and his little brother's first birthday with us. One of the most heartbreaking things is that Gus and his little brother will not grow up and share their lives together."

Her partner, and Gus' grief-stricken dad, Joshua, went on to add: "The love and support we've had from family and friends has been overwhelming, it has kept us going and helped us remain strong and hopeful for the future. We will never be able to thank them enough.

"We would also like to sincerely thank the community members, the SES volunteers, Australian Defence Force members and the police for working so hard to search for August. We miss Gus more than we can describe, we are desperate to have him returned home to us and we are desperate for answers.

"We believe that someone knows something, someone knows what happened to Gus and may even know where he is."

The four-year-old was playing outside at the time of his disappearance (South Australia Police)

Before signing off with a thank-you, Jessica directly addressed those who may be holding onto knowledge pertaining to their son's case.

"Even if you're feeling scared or unsure, if you know anything at all, we are imploring you to help us," she said. "Even the smallest detail could be helpful. Please come forward and cooperate with police."

Gus was last seen playing outside at 5pm local time; half an hour later, when his parents went to check on him, he was nowhere to be seen.