## Introduction Between 1979 and 1982, Adelaide was shaken by a series of shocking crimes known as "The Family" murders. Several young men were abducted, abused, and killed by a group suspected to include members of Adelaide's community referred to as "The Family". ## The Family Murders The case involved five young male victims: Alan Barnes (17), Neil Muir (25), Peter Stogneff (14), Mark Langley (18), and Richard Kelvin (15). They were kidnapped, drugged, and subjected to severe sexual violence and torture before being murdered. The bodies were found in various locations around Adelaide, with consistent patterns suggesting the involvement of multiple individuals. > "We have taken the patterns in these murders very seriously... We have formed certain opinions regarding these teenage killings, but they will remain confidential." Von Einem, a 79-year-old at the time of reporting, is the only person convicted in connection with the crimes, though authorities suspect others were involved. Forensic evidence, including the use of sedatives and the careful cleaning and redressing of victims, further linked the murders together. ## Victims and Circumstances - **Alan Barnes** disappeared in 1979. His body was found under the South Para Bridge, cleaned and redressed. - **Neil Muir** was murdered two months later, with his remains severely mutilated. - **Peter Stogneff** and **Mark Langley** also fell victim to similar methods. - **Richard Kelvin** was linked to von Einem after forensic evidence placed him with the accused shortly before his death. The victims' families made several public appeals for information, expressing the ongoing pain of their losses. > "Losing a child is incredibly difficult; it's a pain that is hard to fathom for those who haven't experienced it," said Janice Langley. ## Related Cases The period also saw other high-profile disappearances and murders in South Australia: - The "Truro murders" (1976–77), involving young women who vanished and were found murdered. - Earlier, the case of the Beaumont children in 1966 and the disappearance of Joanne Ratcliffe and Kirste Gordon in 1973 unsettled Adelaide. ## Impact and Legacy The "Family" murders ended abruptly, and suspicions about possible community involvement linger. Some speculate that prominent Adelaide figures may have been among the perpetrators, but no further convictions have been made. The full truth of these crimes remains elusive, contributing to a lasting sense of loss and injustice for the victims' families and the community at large.

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abc.net.au — 2025-11-29