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Bevan Spencer von Einem Dies in South Australian Prison at 79

Officials say he stayed silent to the end, leaving key questions in the 'Family' murders unresolved.

Overview

  • South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas confirmed the death of the convicted killer while he was serving life for the 1983 murder of 15-year-old Richard Kelvin.
  • Von Einem remained imprisoned after 2007 parole-law changes, was declared a dangerous offender in 2009, received an additional three-month term for child abuse material, and never applied for parole.
  • Police have long linked him to a group known as the Family suspected in four other unsolved murders, yet he is the only person ever convicted in the series and charges in two other cases were withdrawn.
  • Authorities say he refused to cooperate or disclose information before his death, with investigations continuing and a $1 million reward still on offer for leads.
  • He had been moved to the Yatala Labour Prison infirmary in late November and was reported to have lung cancer, with The Age reporting he was found dead during a routine check.