Mystery still surrounds the identity of a young child murdered and dumped in a suitcase in the South Australian bush, but detectives are close to ruling out NSW boy William Tyrrell as the victim.
Superintendent Des Bray says he believes the remains are not those of the boy, who went missing in September last year.
But he says the possibility can't be completely discounted.
Tests so far have narrowed the age range of the child to between three and five years and some young girl's clothes were found with the body, but the sex of the victim will not be known until next week.
A full DNA profile will take longer.
An autopsy has revealed the child died a "violent death in terrible circumstances", Supt Bray said.
"We have no evidence at all to prove that William Tyrrell is the victim.
"In fact there are a number of things and information in our possession which make it unlikely.
"We can't say that it's definitely not William Tyrrell, but knowing the full facts of the case it's less likely."
A motorist found the child's remains and the suitcase off the Karoonda Highway, east of Adelaide, on Tuesday, but did not alert police until Wednesday.
It's believed the child was killed some time ago, with the body then placed in the suitcase and left beside the highway.
Police are searching for a man aged about 60 who was spotted carrying a suitcase in the area six to eight weeks ago and have urged him to come forward.
Motorists with dashcam video taken along the Karoonda Highway in recent weeks have also been asked to make contact to allow for their video to be examined.
As the investigation continues, SA police have established Task Force Mallee with 15 detectives and Supt Bray says he's confident all the necessary resources will be provided.
"There's nothing good about this case," he said.
"But I'm confident we'll be able to solve this and unravel the mystery."
Share
