South Australia Police have named a man and a woman they are seeking in connection with the murder of Shaun Russell whose body was found at Hackham West at the weekend.
A warrant for the arrest of Robert Joseph Patard, 46, and Jessica Elizabeth Gianoni (AKA MacIntosh), 35, to face a murder charge was issued by the Adelaide Magistrates Court late this afternoon.
Inspector Billy Thompson, the operations manager of the Major Crime Investigation Branch, this afternoon asked that the suspects speak with a lawyer and then hand themselves in to police.
"It is only a matter of time until we locate this pair," he said. "Police have been searching for them for 24 hours, and believe they are actively avoiding us, but I am sure that we will locate them."
Anyone who sees the man and woman is urged not to approach them, but to call police immediately on Triple Zero (000).
The body of Mr Russell was located just after 3.30pm on Saturday in a playground in a reserve off Corinth/Honeypot roads. He had been beaten to death
Inspector Thompson said a team from Forensic Science South Australia were recalled at the weekend, and provided police with the assistance they needed to progress this matter today.
He thanked them for their efforts, along with the public with more than 20 reports made to Crime Stoppers in relation to this case.
"Mr Russell was a kind-hearted person who would assist anyone who was in need," he said.
Police are appealing for anyone who had been in the park from 11am to 4.30pm to come forward if they have any photos and videos taken on their mobile phones or dashcam footage.
The wanted man is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm tall, weighing 70kg, with a bald head and fair complexion. The woman is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 172cm tall, weighing about 60kg, with long dyed brown hair.
They may be travelling in one of two vehicles – a green-coloured 1984 VK Holden Commodore (SA registration UXM740) or a blue-coloured 2005 Holden Commodore (SA registration S605ANP).
Anyone who may have information that can assist police is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or to report online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au
