4 May 2023

UPDATE: Shane Watson confirmed as body found near Tuggeranong Parkway as police issue new plea for information

| Claire Fenwicke
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Police vehicles on Tuggeranong Parkway

Police shut down the southbound lanes of the Tuggeranong Parkway after Shane Watson’s body was discovered in bushland. Photo: Ian Bushnell.

UPDATE Thursday, 4 May – Police have confirmed the body of a man found in Curtin last week is that of missing man Shane Daniel Watson.

The 33-year-old’s body was discovered at about 10:25 am on Friday (28 April) a few hundred metres off the Tuggeranong Parkway, near the Cotter Road intersection.

There’s no further indication at this time about how Mr Watson died, with investigations continuing into his disappearance, the circumstances surrounding his death and how his body ended up in the bushland.

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Police have called for anyone who may have dashcam footage from between 26 March and 2 April, and had been driving in the suburbs of Lyons and Curtin or southbound along the Tuggeranong Parkway between Cotter Road and Hindmarsh Drive, to come forward.

Officers also wish to speak with anyone who may have had contact with Mr Watson during this same time period, if they haven’t spoken with police already.

Anyone with information has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, quoting reference 7405873. Information can be provided anonymously.

Police officers on Tuggeranong Parkway

Police spent the afternoon searching the bush near the Tuggeranong Parkway after the discovery of Shane Watson’s body. Photo: Ian Bushnell.

Friday 28 April, 4:30 pm – The body of a man found by bushwalkers on a track adjacent to the Tuggeranong Parkway is believed to be that of a missing man.

Shane Daniel Watson was reported missing a week and a half ago, and now police believe they have found his body.

“We do believe at this stage that it may be the missing person Shane Watson,” Detective Superintendent in Charge of ACT Criminal Investigations Hall O’Meagher said.

“It’s apparent from early observations that this deceased person has been in situ at the location for some time.”

Police were called at about 10:30 am on Friday (28 April) after a passer-by made the discovery at the parkway near Cotter Road.

As it was adjacent to the Tuggeranong Parkway, the decision was made to close the southbound lane while officers combed the area for items relevant to the investigation so they wouldn’t distract drivers.

Det Supt O’Meagher said no cause of death had been determined at this stage, with forensic officers on the scene throughout the day.

“Our examination of the scene, in combination with the post-mortem, will hopefully identify and confirm a cause of death,” he said.

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Mr Watson was first reported missing by family members after they hadn’t heard from or seen him since the end of March.

However, more people had come forward saying they had information.

“[He] was previously last seen at a club in Tuggeranong, but due to the information that’s been provided by members of the public, there’s been possible sightings [of him] since that time,” Det Supt O’Meagher said.

“That will form part of our inquiry.”

Investigations will encompass both the circumstances surrounding Mr Watson’s disappearance and his death.

Anyone with information about Mr Watson’s disappearance or death has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A report will be prepared for the information of the coroner.

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