Poisoning death declared a Major Crime
Channel: SA Police News
Date: 2017-03-16

Detectives from the South Australia Police Major Crime Investigation Section today revealed they are investigating the deliberate fatal poisoning of a Morphett Vale man in December 2015.

The death of 63-year-old David Lawrence (pictured) has been declared a Major Crime.

David Lawrence

Mr Lawrence was found dead in his bed by his partner at their home on Godfrey Court on 3 December 2015.

Initially his death was investigated by police from South Coast Local Service Area as it was unexpected although there were no obvious suspicious circumstances.

Toxicology results later showed that Mr Lawrence died from lethal levels of prescription opiates and other prescription medication, most of which had never been prescribed to him.

Detective Superintendent Des Bray, the officer in charge of Major Crime, said police believe a person known to Mr Lawrence deliberately over dosed him with these medications with the intention of killing him.

“Last month officers from Major Crime travelled to Dapto in New South Wales to search a property and interview people of interest in relation to this matter,” he said.

“We were assisted by detectives from the Lake Illawarra Criminal Investigation Branch.

“NSW police will be executing further warrants in the future on behalf of SAPOL as we continue this investigation.”

Detective Superintendent Bray added that investigators were now seeking the assistance of any member of the community who believed they may have information that could assist police in this case.

“Mr Lawrence was a well-known and popular member of the community, who he had lived at the same address for more than 30 years,” he said.

“Investigators have been in regular contact with Mr Lawrence’s next of kin – his three brothers and two sisters – throughout the course of this inquiry.

“Police are making ongoing inquiries in relation to this matter, which the ultimate objective being holding the appropriate person to account for this death.

“Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. All information will be treated in the strictest confidence.”

Anyone with information about the death of Mr Lawrence is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at https://crimestopperssa.com.au/