Newton Silva, aged 36 years, was found dead on the side of a dirt road at Dowlingville, about 10 kilometres from Ardrossan, on 3 August 1988. He had been shot twice in the head and once in the heart. The subsequent investigation established that he had been killed on 15 July 1988.Mr Silva lived in the northern suburbs of Adelaide and mixed with people who were involved in the sale and distribution of illegal drugs. In early July 1988, in the weeks before his death, an associate believed Mr Silva had stolen $7000 in drug money from him, so he and a friend had beaten Mr Silva with a pool cue and a baseball bat causing severe injuries. Six people were charged in relation to Mr Silva’s murder.  Two were convicted but released on appeal.  No retrial was held as a crucial witness had died in the meantime.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, on-line or

email an investigator.