Inquest into the disappearance and suspected death of Andrew Russell

23y · Male·Not established; death is suspicious but manner and cause undetermined

Andrew Stephen Russell, a 23-year-old man with chronic liver disease receiving disability support, disappeared on 2 June 2009 from Bathurst, NSW. He was last seen leaving a house intending to go to a hotel. His complete lack of contact with family and friends was entirely out of character. Despite comprehensive police investigation including undercover operations, a criminal trial of the prime suspect (Tony Simmons) resulted in acquittal due to unreliable admissions. The coroner found Andrew is dead, likely died on or shortly after 2 June 2009, probably in the Bathurst/Sofala area, and his death is suspicious. However, without his body or reliable account, the exact manner and cause remain undetermined. The case was referred to the Unsolved Homicide Unit for further investigation.