By Paul Millar
POLICE believe a man wanted in connection with the abduction and probable murder of Leopold’s Paul Kingsbury is “house-hopping” in Corio.
Acting Inspector Boris Buick said John Nelis, who is known to police, was spotted in Corio last week when officers knocked on the door of one of his associates.
“He took off in a vehicle when he saw the police. We believe he may have access to other vehicles,” the cold-case detective told the Independent.
“He’s house-hopping and people are concealing him. He has a network of friends and they’re protecting him.
“He certainly has not done a bunk,’’ he said.
Police believe Mr Nelis, 31, of Moolap, is armed and warned that he should not be approached.
Mr Kingsbury, a 27-year-old father of one, was last seen in Larkins Lne, Moolap, in the early hours of 6 July.
Police believe he had been in contact with Nelis.
The Leopold man has not contacted family since and his bank account has remained untouched.
“We suspect that he’s dead and that he met with foul play,” Act Insp Buick said.
Police had a warrant for the arrest of Mr Nelis in relation to the kidnapping of Mr Kingsbury.
“We believe that he holds the key to why he has gone missing and possibly more,” said Act Supt Buick, a detective in the Missing Persons Squad.
Police had heard about numerous sightings of Mr Nelis and were urging him to give himself up.
Act Insp Buick said plenty of local speculation surrounded the disappearance of Mr Kingsbury.
Local intelligence suggested it was payback from bikies.
But Act Insp Buick said disappearances without the discovery of a body always sparked rumours.
“We’re being very careful. We’re not ruling anything out as a possibility.
“He (Mr Nelis) is aware we’re looking for him.’’
Police have charged a 36-year-old Indented Head man with three counts each of making threats to kill and false imprisonment in relation Mr Kingsbury’s disappearance.
He faced court without making an application for bail and was remanded to reappear for a committal mention on 12 December.
