Renewed murder probe in Susan Goodwin case, police believe killer still lives in Port Lincoln

Police are renewing calls to the public for any information relating to the suspected murder of Port Lincoln woman Susan Goodwin, believing her killer may still live in the regional town.

SAPOL Detective Senior Sergeant Justin Thompson said the last police effort in 2017 to gain more information, including writing letters to prisoners and posting Ms Goodwin’s face on coasters and the back of police cars, led to many residents coming forward.

“We were able to ascertain that there were a number of rumours floating around the town on what may have happened to Susan,” Senior Sergeant Thompson said.

 “We had a number of calls to Crime Stoppers, some were related to previous rumours, but it certainly assisted us in squashing those rumours.

“A large portion of our investigation initially was to follow up these leads, all of those rumours have been discounted, we’ve managed to get to the source of those rumours and believe that’s not the case.”

Senior Sergeant Thompson said it would just take one person to come forward to unravel the case.

“We do certainly believe she was murdered in Port Lincoln, we strongly believe the person or people responsible for this live in Port Lincoln, and we do believe that her body has been disposed of within a location probably within a 30-kilometre radius of the Port Lincoln township,” he said.

Almost 20 years missing

Ms Goodwin went missing on July 19, 2002 and was last seen shopping at Woolworths and Coles in Port Lincoln around midday.

She was reported missing when she failed to pick up her partner from work at 4:15pm that day.

When her partner returned to their Moonta Crescent home, she found fresh meat ready to be cooked for their evening meal and Susan’s car still parked in the driveway.

Senior Sergeant Thompson said Ms Goodwin was a recreational cannabis user.

“We believe on that day that she was attempting to source some drugs, and one of our lines of enquiry is she has gone to obtain drugs in a discreet location in Port Lincoln, and that may have been where something has happened and may have resulted in her murder,” he said.

Loved ones still awaiting news

Senior Sergeant Thompson said Ms Goodwin’s loved ones still checked in with police and were anxious to find answers.

“Unfortunately both of Susan’s parents who lived interstate have passed. They were certainly hopeful for answers before that happened,” he said.

“Investigations always remain open, we’re always seeking new information, Susan’s partner is in Port Lincoln and is desperate to find information and answers on what happened to Susan.

“Susan still has a sister who lives interstate who, like her partner in Port Lincoln, is certainly seeking answers as to what happened to her.”