Key Takeaways:
- Bevan Spencer von Einem, a convicted child murderer, has died while serving a life sentence in South Australia.
- Von Einem was responsible for the sexually motivated abduction and murder of 15-year-old Richard Kelvin in 1983.
- He was linked to a group known as "The Family", suspected of being responsible for four other unsolved murders of young males between 1979 and 1982.
- Von Einem’s death marks the end of a life defined by calculated brutality and leaves behind a legacy of devastation for victims’ families.
- The South Australian government has confirmed that von Einem’s death does not erase the pain and suffering he inflicted on his victims and their families.
Introduction to Bevan Spencer von Einem’s Crimes
Bevan Spencer von Einem, one of South Australia’s most notorious murderers, has died while serving a life sentence for the abduction and murder of 15-year-old Richard Kelvin in 1983. Von Einem’s crimes were characterized by calculated brutality, and his actions have left a lasting impact on the community. The news of his death was confirmed by South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas, who stated that von Einem’s death marks the end of a life defined by deliberate cruelty.
The Family Murders
Von Einem was linked to a group known as "The Family", which was suspected of being responsible for four other unsolved murders of young males between 1979 and 1982. The victims included Alan Barnes, 17, Neil Muir, 25, Peter Stogneff, 14, and Mark Langley, 18. The group’s moniker "The Family" was coined after a detective described breaking up the "happy family" in a 1988 television interview. The murders were characterized by their brutality, and the investigation into the crimes has been ongoing for decades.
Legacy of Devastation
Von Einem’s death has brought back memories of the pain and suffering he inflicted on his victims and their families. Premier Malinauskas stated that von Einem’s legacy is one of devastation, and that his death does not erase the murder and torture he inflicted on innocent lives. The premier also acknowledged that von Einem’s refusal to cooperate with police has denied victims’ families closure, and that his decision to take critical information to the grave is an act of cruelty in its own right.
Von Einem’s Background and Conviction
Von Einem first came to police attention in 1972, when he took a man named Roger James to the Royal Adelaide Hospital after James had been thrown into the River Torrens and suffered a broken leg. Von Einem was later convicted of the murder of Richard Kelvin, who was last seen near his North Adelaide home in June 1983. Von Einem was arrested in November 1983 and was sentenced to life in prison in 1984. He has remained in prison ever since, and his non-parole period was increased to 36 years on appeal.
Investigation and Charges
While serving his life sentence, von Einem was charged with the murders of Alan Barnes and Mark Langley, but those charges were later withdrawn. He remains the only person ever convicted of any of "The Family" murders. Police believe that von Einem did not act alone in the abduction and murder of Richard Kelvin, and a $1 million reward is still on offer for information that leads to a conviction. Von Einem was declared a dangerous offender in 2009 and was sentenced to a further three months in prison for possessing child abuse material in his cell.
Reaction to Von Einem’s Death
The news of von Einem’s death has been met with a sense of relief and closure for the community. South Australian Deputy Premier Kyam Maher stated that he did not think anyone would feel any remorse about von Einem’s demise, and that every day that von Einem is not on this planet is a good day. The premier’s comments reflect the widespread outrage and horror that von Einem’s crimes have inspired, and the community’s desire to see justice served. Despite von Einem’s death, the investigation into "The Family" murders continues, and the community remains hopeful that one day, the truth will be revealed, and justice will be served.