Police are enlisting the Glenunga International High School community to help identify the individual who has been sending threatening emails for almost a year.
Senior officers are today addressing school assemblies and revealing key details in the long-running investigation in the hope a GIHS staff member, student or parent may have information that may help identify the individual.
The information being revealed includes key times the individual - who has used the online alias 'Brian Cole' - has accessed a computer to send the threatening emails, key phrases used in them and several distinct images that also show the individual's handwriting.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Linda Williams said police were continuing to work closely with the GIHS community and the Department for Education as the investigation continued.
"At every step of the investigation our primary focus has been to ensure the safety of the students and staff at the school and the wider community. This remains the case,'' she said.
In May a man, 18, was arrested and charged with several offences by detectives involved in the investigation, but the charges were later withdrawn as the investigation continued. While the charges have been dropped all evidence is being actively investigated.
Deputy Commissioner Williams said the investigation was challenging and continued to be a high priority with resources from the Australian Federal Police also involved.
"This has been an incredibly dynamic investigation that has been technically complicated,'' she said.
"A number of persons of interest have been identified in the investigation as it has evolved. We are now taking the step of asking the school community and the public to assist us by sharing some details of the investigation.
"These details include information about the person making the threats, their computer use habits and some images and handwriting that may be recognisable to those who know the individual.
"We are sharing these details with the school community and the wider public in the hope that someone may know this person or know someone who knows this person. Any information we receive may be a vital piece to this puzzle and help identify this person.
"With the resources we have dedicated to this investigation I am confident we will identify this individual.
"I would appeal to anyone who knows this person to contact police.
"I would also appeal directly to this individual to consider their position and contact a lawyer and initiate contact with police.''
They key details released today include:
- The individual making the threats used the online alias 'Brian Cole'.
- 'Brian Cole' had access to a shared computer between 19 November 2024 and 13 May 2025 and was using the computer most evenings after 9pm.
- The computer has the gaming platform 'Steam' and the game 'Black Myth; Wukong'.
- Between early February 2025 and 13 May 2025 the suspect used the computer almost every weeknight and had to wait for others to finish using the computer before they could use it.
- Around 13 May 2025, it is likely 'Brian Cole' had a change in living circumstances, maybe needing to move, which resulted in reduced access to a/the computer.
- Since 13 May 2025, it is believed 'Brian Cole' has returned to use the computer a number of times, sometimes with gaps of three weeks, down to weekly. Again, using the computer only after 9pm on these occasions.
Deputy Commissioner Williams said several distinct images with the suspect's handwriting may be recognised by someone at GIHS or a member of the public.
One image is of a spider incorporated into the GIHS logo and another depicting the logo constructed of the spiders' broken legs. A third image is of two common pantry condiments – maple syrup and honey - pictured with a handwritten note.
A list of key words, phrases and errors (listed below) made by 'Brian Cole' in emails has also been released. They are:
- Auspicious
- Aura
- High committee
- High up ones
- Forsaken hero
- Hero/the Hero
- Steal the souls
- That person is stupid
- Primary stronghold of the corruption
- Pay attention if another signature is knocking on you
- I have spells which are just for the hero
- And dont go near glenunga and never say anything to that person who say they are charles hide and change where you are if they know it
- It is a waste so much time
- ….which is a waste of my Brain
- I am busy with the things so it is a good year I need to direct my brain on that one
- Cant think to respond to that have to Focus on what is mine the truth
- Because
- Clemydia
- Soccer place so the little ones that is play near them see they is corrupt
- Dont – 'Brian Cole' used this word frequently but never used an apostrophe
- Email – the word email is consistently capitalised across a large volume of writing
"If anyone recognises any of the information, images or key words and phrases or they prompt a memory about a person or person's behaviour, or perhaps the meaning or location of the images I would urge them to contact police,'' Deputy Commissioner Williams said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au – you can remain anonymous.
Images police are requesting information about:
