$200k reward to catch the killers of Eric Lynch

Posted on 10/02/2020

It is now 16 years since Eric Lynch is presumed to have been murdered.

The 44-year old lived at Willimott Street, Ethelton, and was reported missing on 16 February 2004.

The man who last saw him was a loose associate who also operated on the periphery of the drug world.

He lent Mr Lynch $500 and saw him get into a white VN Holden Commodore VUY720 around 2pm that day and drive off. While the activity of Mr Lynch for the next few hours remains a mystery, at some stage later that day he drove to the property of another associate – a man who is suspected to have murdered him.

The man, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, rented a house on a farming property at Kapinnie, 60km north of Port Lincoln.

Although a specific motive for his murder remains to be determined, detectives believe it was most likely linked to his drug dealing activities. However, the fact Lynch may have had an eye for the then partner of the suspect may also have been a factor.

The Commodore was seen in the early evening of February 10 leaving the Kapinnie property and travelling with a green Jeep Cherokee four wheel drive WA registration 1AY1032 to Tumby Bay, arriving on dusk.

It is believed that Mr Lynch was shot and killed while sitting in the front seat of the Commodore. When the car was recovered from a man not connected to the murder a large amount of blood was found in the footwell behind the driver’s seat and on the interior of the driver’s side door.

Forensic testing has matched it to Mr Lynch’s DNA.

Police believe Mr Lynch’s body was initially hidden in bush land around Kapinnie but was later moved. At the time of the murder extensive road works were being conducted and workers reported an intense stench in the immediate area for a period, but it then mysteriously stopped.

They suspect a white 1989 Ford station wagon SA registration VAC-414 may have been used to transport his body to where he is now buried, believed to be not far from Kapinnie.

The white Ford Falcon station wagon was being used by the suspects’ then partner before the murder, and was recovered at a wrecking yard in Adelaide – with carpet from the rear of the station wagon missing.

Mr Lynch’s bank accounts have not been accessed and he has not been in contact with any family or friends. Of particular note is that he has had no contact with his family which is highly unusual.

Police arrested two people charging them with his murder in March 2005. The charges were later withdrawn.

A reward of up to $200,000 is on offer for information that leads to a conviction or the recovery of her remains.

If you have any information, call 1800 333 000 or make a report at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

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