Police search for remains of missing Queensland men

Police have continued their search for the bodies of two men last seen alive in central Queensland 25 years ago.

A team of 10 police officers, 60 SES volunteers and a cadaver dog on Friday scoured a section of the Kroombit Tops National Park for the remains of Robert Grayson, then 26, and Derek Van Der Poel, then 23.

The pair, last seen alive in Gladstone in May 1993, had been minding marijuana crops for Russell James Williams, 51, who was charged on Monday over the murders.

It was not the first time authorities had focused their attention on the park, with new information leading them to search the crop area and adjoining land once again.

Russell Williams, 51, was charged over the alleged murders of Robert Grayson (right) and Derek Van Der Poel (left), who police believe were killed in 1993

‘Since the arrest of Mr Williams we have received some information from members of the public,’ Det Insp Shadlow told reporters on Friday.

‘Some people have stated they have come forward since the arrest, they do feel more comfortable.

‘We just ask that people look inside themselves and look at their conscience.’

The area carefully combed over by authorities included land where the crops were grown as well as adjoining bush.

Police will allege in court the two men were crop sitters watching a marijuana plantation in the Kroombit Tops National Park and Williams believed they were stealing

Det Insp Shadlow said a police investigation had identified multiple persons of interest in the case, but refused to elaborate on what roles they were suspected of playing in the men’s disappearance.

Williams faced Gladstone Magistrates Court on Tuesday and the matter was adjourned to April 10.

He was charged with two counts of murder and drug production.

A $250,000 reward remains in place for more information.