Missing bikie: hunt for suspect
20jun05
POLICE are hunting a possible suspect over the disappearance of
former Gypsy Jokers motorcycle club boss Steve Williams.
They are following information he may have been the victim of foul
play.
The Advertiser understands police interviewed a Woodville West man
on Saturday after he told police an associate had confessed to
killing Mr Williams.
Police sources said the man was "convinced" the information and
identity he provided were genuine.
Several patrols yesterday visited an Osborne address to speak to a
possible suspect but no one was at home at the time.
Mr Williams' early model white Ford Falcon will be forensically
tested today.
It was abandoned at the Gepps Cross Hotel where Mr Williams was last
seen about 2.30pm on Tuesday. He was reported missing about 3pm on
Thursday by partner Alena Skipper after he failed to contact her and
missed a visit with his teenage daughter Blayze, to whom he spoke on
a daily basis.
Blayze, 13, at the weekend made an impassioned plea for anyone who
might have seen her father to contact police. "If anyone sees him,
can they just report it? Even if they make it anonymous. It might
help," she said.
Mr Williams, who turns 39 on Wednesday, is renowned for speaking out
against police and government in defence of motorcycle clubs. That
is a move not supported by many in the biker fraternity used to
dealing with issues behind club doors and with a code of silence.
Mr Williams is embroiled in a legal battle with members of the
police STAR Group. They are suing him for damages for injuries they
claim to have sustained in the Beachport brawl in the 2001 Gypsy
Jokers' club run.
Holden Hill CIB is investigating various leads. Detectives have
spoken with friends and family of Mr Williams.
Police say until there is evidence to the contrary, the
investigation will continue on the basis Mr Williams is a missing
person. He is described as being 185cm tall, weighing about 100kg
and of medium build.
He has long brown hair, usually worn back in a ponytail, a light
brown moustache and a goatee beard. He has numerous tattoos.