Notorious convicted killer Bevan Spencer von Einem dies in prison
Premier Peter Malinauskas says Bevan Spencer von Einem’s crimes “stand among the most horrific ever committed in South Australia”.
Premier Peter Malinauskas has released a statement this morning saying the Department for Correctional Services has advised him of the death of Bevan Spencer von Einem, 79.
“His death marks the end of a life defined by calculated brutality,” Malinauskas said.
“His crimes stand among the most horrific ever committed in South Australia, acts of deliberate cruelty that destroyed lives and inflicted trauma that will echo for generations.”
Von Einem was convicted of the 1983 murder of Adelaide teenager Richard Kelvin – the son of former Adelaide newsreader Rob Kelvin – and was also suspected of other murders.
The Premier said he “leaves behind a legacy of devastation for victims’ families that can never be undone”.
Malinauskas said it was unforgivable that von Einem, who had lung cancer, refused to co-operate with South Australian police in further investigations.
It is understood von Einem had been transferred to Yatala Labour Prison a few weeks ago as he only had a short time to live.
“He had every opportunity to assist investigators, to confirm what so many long believed, that he was responsible for the murder of other young men and to help bring other perpetrators to justice,” Malinauskas said.
“Instead, he chose silence, callous, deliberate silence, denying victims’ families even the faintest chance of closure. His decision to take critical information to the grave is an act of cruelty in its own right.
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“His death does nothing to erase the murder and torture he inflicted on innocent lives, nor does it ease the anger and grief carried by the families of his victims whose lives were shattered by his actions.
“The greatest tragedy is that they may never know the full truth because of his deliberate and selfish silence. Today, my thoughts are with the families of his victims. Their strength in the face of unimaginable suffering deserves our deepest respect and support.”
Von Einem had been an inmate at Port Augusta Prison since 2007.
