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Murdered or raised in secret? The mystery of Darren ‘Jason’ Shannon

Posted on 09/06/2020

Another truly heart-breaking case that needs your help to solve – with today marking 47 years without knowing whether this missing baby boy was murdered by his father or raised by someone in secret.

On 9 June 1973, Darren ‘Jason’ Shannon was taken during an access visit by his father John ‘Barry’ Shannon from the baby’s grandparents house at Blackdown Street Elizabeth West (now Davoren Park).

The 11-month old baby was never seen again.

At about 9.15 pm that same day – about two hours after taking the baby – John Shannon was killed in a head on collision with another vehicle on Main North Road just south of Roseworthy.

A search of the vehicle and crash scene failed to locate the baby.

Despite extensive searches and significant local and national media coverage, Jason was never located.

Police believe that prior to the fatal crash the baby boy was either murdered by his father and the body disposed of at an unknown location or he was given to a friend or relative to be raised in secret.

At the time of his disappearance, Jason was wearing a long white nightdress, blue buttoned up cardigan and a nappy.

A reward of up to $1,000,000 is on offer for information that leads to a conviction in this case and/or leading to the recovery of the victim’s remains.

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