CASE PROFILE – Patricia Dawson

Posted on 12/04/2021

Patricia Mary Dawson was reported as a missing person on 14 April 1972.

Her husband, Peter Dawson, reported that he last saw his 33-year old wife at 11.15pm on Tuesday 11 April 1972, when he left their Ingle Farm house to buy a newspaper from Adelaide.

When he returned home at 12.30 a.m. on 12 April 1972 their two children (aged four and six) were still in bed asleep but she was missing.

He told police about $390 in cash was gone from her bedroom wardrobe as well as some of her clothing.

Mr Dawson later told family members she had gone off in a black car with her boyfriend. His claims initially convinced police to believe that Patricia had left home voluntarily.

Despite checks with relatives and friends she has never been seen or heard from again.

It wasn’t until a review of the case more than 30 years later that police discovered sufficient new evidence to charge Mr Dawson with murdering his first wife.

In 2005, Peter Dawson was arrested for her murder and he was committed for trial. Prior to the trial commencing the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions determined there was insufficient evidence for the matter to proceed.

Peter Dawson has since died.

A reward of up to $200,000 remains on offer for information that leads to a conviction in this case or the recovery of Patricia’s remains.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

 

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