Police say a North Queensland teenager missing for four years is believed to have been murdered.
Linden Malayta was 15 years old when he was last seen in Ayr, south of Townsville, in April 2019.
Today detectives from the Townsville Child Protection Investigation Unit announced that a $500,000 reward was being offered to anyone with information leading to a conviction.
"Following extensive investigations and enquires over a number of years, we have found no evidence to indicate at this point of time there is any proof of life," Senior Sergeant David Miles said.
"We have formed the suspicion that he is now deceased and his death is suspicious in nature.
"What we are seeking from the public now is assistance in moving this investigation forward."
'Strong connections'
Police made an appeal for public assistance in January this year.
It was believed Linden had travelled to Townsville but reported sightings of him in recent years could not be confirmed.
The teenager had not been in contact with family and friends since his disappearance, which police said was unusual given his "strong connections" to the community.
"He has disappeared with no footprint in relation to financial expenditure, telecommunication, access, social media, or any anything whatsoever," Senior Sergeant Miles said.
"He was regularly in contact with police — not necessarily in a bad way but he was known to police in the area."
'Substantial' reward
Police hope the reward of $500,000, granted by Police Minister Mark Ryan, will help speed up the homicide investigation.
"We don't do it lightly," Senior Sergeant Miles said.
"This is one of those serious investigations and this is one that remains unsolved."
He said it had been a "traumatic" time for Linden's family.
"They're obviously very concerned," Senior Sergeant Miles said.
"I think they're grateful for the fact that a reward of this significance has been put out there."
No people of interest are under investigation at this stage.
Linden is Aboriginal with brown eyes and dark brown hair.
He often wore a red baseball cap.
Anyone with information regarding his suspected murder is urged to contact Queensland Police.
