Human remains discovered in sand dunes near a Sydney beach have been identified as those of Paul Norton, a butcher who went missing over three decades ago. Norton was last seen in 1989 and his car was found weeks later at Sydney airport. An inquest in 1996 concluded that Norton’s death was likely a result of homicide related to his involvement in the drug trade. Investigators used DNA technology to confirm the identity of the remains, and police are appealing for information about Norton’s disappearance and death. Norton’s sister hopes that the appeal will bring some closure to their family. Guardian staff reporter reported
The human remains found in sand dunes near a Sydney beach have been identified as belonging to a butcher who went missing over thirty years ago in suspicious circumstances. Paul Norton was last seen in April 1989 and was reported missing a few days later. His car was found weeks later at Sydney airport. A 1996 inquest suggested that Norton’s death was likely a result of homicide, possibly related to his involvement in the drug trade. The remains were formally identified as Norton’s in 2019 using DNA technology. The area where the remains were found was rumored to be a dumping ground for bodies involved in underworld killings during the 1970s and 80s. Detectives are asking for anyone with information about Norton or his death to come forward. Norton’s sister hopes that the appeal will provide some answers about her brother’s disappearance. Norton was described as Caucasian, approximately 165cm tall, with a thin build, brown hair, and freckles..
Human remains that were discovered in sand dunes near a beach in Sydney have been identified as the remains of a butcher who went missing over thirty years ago under suspicious circumstances. The individual, Paul Norton, was last seen on April 9, 1989, after spending the day with his sons at Leichhardt Oval watching a rugby match. His girlfriend reported him missing on April 14. Weeks later, Norton’s car, a blue 1981 Commodore sedan, was found at a car rental facility at Sydney airport. A 1996 inquest concluded that Norton’s death was most likely a result of homicide, possibly related to his involvement in the drug trade.
In October 2007, human remains were discovered at Kurnell, south of Sydney, and in 2019, these remains were officially identified as belonging to Norton. The area where the remains were found has long been rumored to be a dumping ground for bodies from underworld killings in the 1970s and 80s. Investigators used DNA technology, including familial samples, to confirm the identity of the remains. The police are now appealing to the public for any information about Norton or his death.
The New South Wales police stated on Monday that initial observations by strike force detectives have drawn connections between Norton’s suspicious disappearance and likely murder, and a series of underworld killings in Sydney during the 1980s. Norton’s sister, Margaret Brown, expressed hope that this appeal for information may bring some answers about her brother’s fate. She urged anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing that even though many years have passed, they are still eager to uncover the truth.
Paul Norton was described as having a Caucasian appearance, standing about 165cm tall, with a thin build, brown hair, and freckles..