A homicide investigation into the suspected murder of Linden Malayta, an Indigenous teenager missing for more than four years, has progressed with detectives alleging he was shot.
Queensland Police said they were continuing to investigate whether Linden's death was deliberate or accidental.
He was last seen in Ayr, a small cane farming town south of Townsville, in March 2019.
He was 15 years old at the time.
Police did not publicly raise the alarm about Linden's disappearance until January 2023.
In the months since the investigation was launched, Queensland Police said detectives had established a timeline in the lead-up to Linden's disappearance and believed he was last sighted in the company of relatives and associates, travelling from Ayr to Townsville, on or about March 18, 2019.
In a statement Queensland Police said they had been told an altercation occurred within that group and a firearm was used, resulting in Linden's death.
"Detectives continue to investigate whether Linden's death was deliberate or accidental," the statement said.
Child Protection Investigation Unit officer in charge Dave Miles, who has oversight of the investigation, said an independent and reliable witness provided information regarding their last interaction with Linden before his disappearance.
"During this interaction Linden told the witness he was in fear for his life and he had 'come to say goodbye'," Senior Sergeant Miles said.
"The witness urged Linden to speak to the police, but Linden stated 'no one could help me now'."
Initial investigation abandoned
More than ten witnesses have provided police with information about Linden since the first public appeal was made.
There is no indication of where his body may be or any description of the firearm involved in the alleged shooting.
Senior Sergeant Dave Miles said detectives would examine a number of potential historic crime scenes associated with the altercation, including homes of relatives and associates Linden may have visited near the time of his death.
Linden was reported as a missing person in April 2019, but those investigations were abandoned.
"Ultimately the family in this case said 'he has travelled up to Townsville with family, he actually isn't missing'," Senior Sergeant Miles said.
It was not until two years later when police were contacted "by another interested party" about Linden when police considered him to be missing.
A $500,000 reward for information leading to the identification and conviction of the person or persons responsible for Linden's suspected murder remains available.
"There is someone out there that has a direct knowledge of what happened to Linden," Senior Sergeant Miles said.
"If you are concerned about your safety or welfare information can be provided anonymously.
"It is important the community rallies together to bring Linden home. Linden's family has not given up hope and deserves answers.
"Police will continue to investigate, to find those answers for Linden's loved ones."
