General News
25 August, 2025
Police remain active in the search for Russell Martin
31-year-old Russell “Stabba” Martin was well known around Stawell until his disappearance 28 years ago.
A regular at the local pubs and football club, it wasn’t unusual for Russell to leave town for days at a time.
But no matter where he went or why, his journey always led him back home to his wife Helen and their four sons.
When he left home in January 1977 in the middle of the night and never returned, his family and friend became worried.
He was never seen again.
Russell Martin’s wife told police in 1977 that on January 20 or 21, 1977 her husband was ill and home all day but about 11pm went to the pub, returning about 12.45am.
He appeared upset, packed some personal effects and told her to sell everything to pay debts.
She saw him get into a white car and she had not seen him since.
The coroner found that Mrs Martin did not report him missing.
Bank and government records showed no trace of him.
In his 2002 findings, the Coroner found that he had likely met with foul play.
Then-coroner Timothy McDonald found that he died on or about January 20, 1977, at an unknown place from unknown unnatural causes.
Detective Acting Inspector Steve Trewavas from the Missing Persons Squad told the Stawell Times-News this week the case remains open and active.
“The Missing Persons Squad investigation into the 1977 disappearance of Russell Martin remains ongoing.
“The 31-year-old was last seen leaving his house on Ligar Street in Stawell on January 20, 1977.
“Despite extensive investigations, detectives are still searching for answers.
“Any new information provided to police will be thoroughly investigated,” Detective Acting Inspector Trewavas said.
In 2020, Mr Martin’s 80-year-old sister Bev Roberts hade an emotional appeal for information regarding the whereabouts of her brother.
In an interview with the Age newspaper, she said someone in Stawell must know something.
"It’s time to get it off their chests and tell the truth," Mrs Roberts said.
"I’m not really interested in who did what. I need to know ‘where’ so I can lay him to rest before I die. And my time is running out."
In 2020, Mrs Roberts remembered her brother as jovial, boisterous and happy.
But the coroner described Mr Martin as having a violent temper, and said he had committed acts of domestic violence.
It’s hoped someone in the Stawell community may have a key piece of information that will crack the case.
Anyone with information about the disappearance of Russell Martin is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au
Read More: Stawell