The heartbreaking mystery surrounding the disappearance of 9-year-old Gus Lamont has taken a dark and terrifying new turn.
According to police sources close to the investigation, Gus’s parents received a disturbing phone call late Tuesday night from an unknown number, demanding a massive ransom in exchange for the boy’s safe return.
“The voice was calm, almost rehearsed,” one investigator revealed. “It wasn’t a prank. It was calculated — and it sent chills through everyone in that room.”
The call that changed everything
The Lamont family, who have endured months of anguish since Gus vanished near their Adelaide home, were reportedly watching the evening news when the phone rang at 9:47 p.m.
The caller, described as a male with a distorted accent, refused to identify himself but claimed to know “exactly where Gus is.”
He then issued a terrifying ultimatum:
“If you ever want to see your son alive again, you’ll pay what we ask — and you won’t call the police.”
But what truly stunned investigators was the specific detail the caller mentioned — something that had never been made public.
“He referenced the color of the shirt Gus was last seen wearing,” said one police source. “That information was never released to the media. That means he either has inside knowledge — or he’s the one who took him.”
The ransom demand
Authorities have not disclosed the exact amount demanded, but sources confirm it was “a sum well beyond what an average family could produce.”
The caller reportedly gave the Lamonts 72 hours to gather the money and await further instructions.
Immediately after the call, the family contacted police, who have since placed them under protective surveillance and are now tracing the number through advanced telecom forensics.
“We’re treating this as a credible lead,” said Detective Inspector Claire Matthews. “But we’re also aware that ransom calls can be used to manipulate families emotionally. Every second counts.”
A voice from nowhere
Forensic audio experts are now analyzing the call, describing it as “professionally masked.” The man’s tone was flat, emotionless, and unnervingly calm. In the background, faint sounds were captured — possibly waves crashing or industrial machinery, suggesting the call may have been made near a coastal or factory area.
“Whoever this person is, he knew exactly what he was doing,” said an anonymous telecommunications analyst. “He wanted to sound in control — but also close enough to terrify them.”
Family reaction and police secrecy
The Lamont family has remained silent since the call, issuing only a brief statement through their spokesperson:
“We are cooperating fully with police. We just want our son home safely.”
Neighbors described seeing police vehicles and unmarked cars outside the Lamont residence throughout the night. Officers were seen installing surveillance equipment and interviewing the parents separately for timeline verification.
“It’s the first real lead in months,” said one local resident. “But it’s also the scariest. Whoever called knows too much.”
Theories erupt online
Within hours of the news breaking, social media exploded with speculation.
Some believe the caller is the actual kidnapper making his first move. Others suggest it could be a copycat extortionist exploiting the family’s pain.
But a chilling theory has also begun to circulate — that the voice may belong to someone from within the community, possibly even a person who helped in earlier search efforts.
“That would explain how they knew private details,” said a Reddit user in a fast-growing thread. “Someone pretending to help… but watching the family the whole time.”
A desperate race against time
Police have launched a 24-hour command center to monitor all incoming communications to the Lamont family. Undercover officers are reportedly being deployed in potential drop-off zones should another call come through.
For now, investigators are urging the public not to speculate, warning that false information could jeopardize ongoing negotiations.
But behind the scenes, one chilling question is being whispered by every officer on the case:
“If the kidnapper is calling now — what has he been doing all this time?”
As the 72-hour deadline approaches, tension grips South Australia.
Will the call lead police to Gus Lamont — or has the kidnapper just begun his cruelest game yet?