Bingara murder: Yellow ute could be key in Darren Willis murder investigation as police confirm persons of interest in case

Detectives are investigating the murder of Darren Willis in December 2010 and new information has come to light.

On Tuesday morning, police confirmed to The Leader several Crime Stoppers reports had been received with new information as detectives home in on potential suspects. 

The leads “from Crime Stopper reports have come from local and further afield”.  

And the operation is picking up pace fast. Just hours after, senior officers confirmed a yellow ute is at the centre of the murder probe.

“We are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who has information about a yellow utility in Bingara between 2010 and 2011,” New England Detective Inspector Ann Joy said on Tuesday night.

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Strike Force Barca – the New England police-led operation probing the 45-year-old’s murder – believe the ute is connected to Mr Willis’ disappearance.

He was least seen leaving the Imperial Hotel in Bingara on the night of December 10, 2010. His remains have never been found but investigators believe he met with foul play after leaving the hotel.

“The information we have received supports investigators beliefs that Mr Willis has met with foul play,” Detective Inspector Joy said.

“We have identified a number of persons of interest and they are now the focus of our inquiries.”

And police believe people are hiding key pieces of evidence, again warning them they face serious charges if they don’t come forward.

Three weeks ago, specialist officers and divers combed the river and its banks in the Eaglehawk Reserve, or Four Mile area, as its known to locals on the outskirts of Bingara.

On June 20, police announced a $350,000 reward for any information that leads detectives to his killers and a conviction.

Anyone with information on Mr Willis’ murder is urged to contact New England detectives or Crime Stoppers.