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Government of Western Australia State Coat of Arms
Coroner's Court of Western Australia

Government of Western Australia State Coat of Arms
Coroner's Court of Western Australia

Inquest Findings

Home →Inquest Findings→Inquest Findings 2026→Murphy, Paul David

Inquest into the Suspected Death of Paul David MURPHY

Delivered on: 22 April 2026

Delivered at: Perth

Finding of: Coroner Nelson

Recommendation: N/A

Orders/Rules: N/A

Suppression Order: N/A

Summary:

Paul David Murphy was last seen in January 1986 in Wembley. He was formally reported to WA Police as missing on 3 February 1989. In March 1990, personal property belonging to Paul was discovered near Toolinna Rockhole in the remote Nuytsland Nature Reserve on the Nullarbor Plain. Investigations later revealed that an Austin 1800 sedan matching Paul’s vehicle had been found abandoned nearby in September 1986. Despite extensive searches, proof-of-life checks, and repeated state and national public appeals, police have been unable to locate Paul or his remains.

At the conclusion of the inquest, the Coroner indicated that he was satisfied on the evidence that Paul is deceased beyond reasonable doubt. The Coroner was unable to determine how Paul died and made an open finding as to the manner of his death.

Catch Words: Long-term Missing Person:  Remote location : Open finding


Last updated: 8 May 2026

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