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Det Supt Des Bray speaks to media on Thursday afternoon regarding the search for missing person Tanja Ebert. Read more below:

Twin police inquiries are today focused on a sheep property in the mid-north of South Australia after the disappearance of a mother-of-two and the death of her husband yesterday.

Police from the Major Crime Investigation Branch will today continue to make inquiries into the disappearance and suspected murder of mother-of-two Tanja Ebert, who has not been seen since 8 August.

Yesterday, while police were at the property where she lived at Mannahill making inquiries, her husband, 41-year-old Michael Burdon, fatally shot himself.

The couple’s two boys, aged 1 and 3 were at Oulnina Park Station at the time, but were not harmed.

A Commissioner's Inquiry has been launched into Mr Burdon’s death, which will be run independently of the Major Crime investigation into Ms Ebert’s disappearance. A report will also be prepared for the State Coroner.

Detective Superintendent Des Bray, the officer in charge of Major Crime, said the team responsible for the Commissioner's Inquiry had attended the property and would complete their inquiries before Major Crime resumed a search for Ms Ebert.
While unable to discuss the Commissioner's Inquiry he noted that Mr Burdon had been extensively interviewed by police yesterday about the disappearance of his 23-year-old wife, but had not made any admissions.

Mr Burdon was not under arrest and police at the property lost sight of him briefly before hearing a muffled gunshot and then finding him deceased.

“This is not the outcome anyone would have wanted,” Dtv Superintendent Bray said. “We feel for Michael’s family and for Tanja’s family.”

A careful, detailed search of the 410sqkm property is being planned, he said, but today police are likely to search the homestead, outbuildings and vehicles.

Already at the station are officers from Major Crime, the police Physical Evidence Section, detectives from Port Pirie and local officers.

“This is a massive undertaking which will need to be planned and appropriately resourced to ensure the best possible outcome,” Dtv Superintendent Bray said.

Following yesterday’s press conference there were eight reports to Crime Stoppers which have been allocated to detectives for investigation.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at https://crimestopperssa.com.au/