The grief-stricken parents of Gus Lamont have broken their silence to ask the public for help finding their little boy.
Joshua Lamont and Jessica Murray shared a heartbreaking statement through South Australian Police on Tuesday, five months after the four-year-old vanished.
The parents also shared a new photo of curly-haired Gus in a car and a video of the toddler riding a bike.
Gus disappeared from his grandparents’ 60,000ha Oak Park Station in South Australia’s Mid North on September 27 last year.
Despite the SA Police launching its search operation in the state’s history, no trace of him has been found.
‘We are united in our grief, and we are united in our search for answers about what happened to our little boy, Gus, who means everything to us,’ his parents said.
‘Our lives have been shattered, and every moment without him is unbearable. We know someone out there may have information.
‘If someone knows what happened, we are pleading with that person – or anyone who may have seen or heard anything – to please come forward. Even the smallest detail could give us the answers we so desperately need.
Gus’s parents shared a new photo of the missing four-year-old in a car (pictured) and a video of the toddler riding a bike at his grandparents’ rural property
Gus is seen barefoot and in a wide-brimmed hat in a new video of him riding a bike
The new photos were released as part of a public appeal for information about Gus on Tuesday
‘We also want to express our deepest gratitude to everyone involved in the search for Gus. The tireless efforts of police, emergency services, ADF personnel, volunteers, and specialists have meant more to us than we can ever say.
‘To the friends, family and supporters who have shown such compassion, concern, and assistance during this heartbreaking time: thank you.
‘Your kindness has helped carry us through the darkest days of our lives. All we want is to bring Gus home and understand what happened to our beautiful boy.’
The statement marks the first time the parents have spoken publicly about Gus’ disappearance.
Detectives previously stressed they have completely ruled out the pair as possible suspects and confirmed they were cooperating with the investigation.
Daily Mail previously revealed the couple had separated before Gus vanished, with Ms Murray and her newborn son, Ronnie, living with her parents, Shannon and Josie Murray, on the remote station.
Mr Lamont had moved into a ramshackle farmhouse which he was renovating in Belalie North, near Jamestown, 130km west of the Murrays’ station.
A family friend told Daily Mail their relationship broke down shortly after Ronnie’s birth, but before Gus disappeared.
‘I haven’t seen Josh since it (Gus’s disappearance) happened, and I don’t know where he is now,’ they said. ‘But they weren’t together when it happened.’
Jessica Murray (left) and Joshua Lamont (right) have made their first public statement about their missing son, Gus Lamont
More to come…
