A renewed search for the remains of the Beaumont children is underway nearly 60 years after they mysteriously disappeared, as excavators dig at the former Castalloy site near Adelaide.
On January 26, 1966, siblings Jane, Arnna, and Grant Beaumont vanished during their trip to Glenelg Beach, leaving their parents and the entire community desperate for answers. The latest excavation operation, organized by Independent MP Frank Pangallo, began on Saturday and is set to run for about a week.
Authorities have stated they do not believe the dig is supported by enough evidence but are cooperating with the private investigation efforts. The site was previously searched twice, once in 2013 and again in 2018, but no definitive conclusions were reached.
The excavation focuses on areas where it is believed significant evidence may lie, particularly following new insights connecting Harry Phipps, the former Castalloy foundry owner, to the case. Reports surfaced recently indicating Phipps had familial ties to the Beaumont family through marriage, which could point to his potential acquaintance with the children before their disappearance.
"That hasn’t been previously known and it’s another link in this case," said Pangallo, discussing the recent revelations. "It shows Mr. Phipps could have known the Beaumont kids and the family. It’s another piece of circumstantial evidence pointing to him as the prime suspect."
Phipps, who died in 2004, has long been considered the main suspect due to his proximity to the children's last known whereabouts and disturbing claims from his family members. The latest excavation promises to be the final attempt to unearth possible remains before the government-owned land is sold for development.
The excavation includes revisiting two previously searched areas along with one new site. Experts involved, including forensic archaeologist Professor Maciej Henneberg and retired Detective Bill Hayes, have expressed hope based on new evidence indicating they may not have dug deep enough during past searches.
The Beaumont children were last seen by their parents on their way to the beach, armed with only enough money for treats. Witnesses described seeing the children playing with an unidentified tall man, establishing the case's gripping yet tragic nature.
Family ties continue to complicate the case. Accounts shared by Phipps' estranged son hint at his father having seen the children on the day they went missing, claiming they were brought to his home. Meanwhile, another source claimed Phipps had requested two brothers to dig at the factory days after the disappearance.
Both the children's parents passed away without ever finding resolution, with Jane Beaumont dying at age 92 and Grant Beaumont at age 97. The search for answers remains fervent, as families and communities call for justice and closure.
The latest excavations are being conducted with the hope of finally bringing closure to this heart-wrenching case. If remains are located, it could offer the Beaumont family and the broader community some measure of peace, nearly six decades after the tragic loss.