Train journey linked to mystery disappearance

Fresh leads have emerged in the mystery disappearance of a Nannup family and their friend who vanished without a trace six years ago.

Major crime squad detectives revealed details about the last suspected movements of Tony Popic, a 40-year-old who disappeared in July 2007 with his housemates — internet cult leader Simon Kadwill, 45, his partner Chantelle McDougall, 27, and their daughter Leela, 6.

They believe Mr Popic caught a train from Bunbury to Perth using the name J Roberts on July 15, 2007. He stayed at a Northbridge backpackers under his own name and caught a 7.15am train to Kalgoorlie the next morning as J Roberts.

Det-Sen. Sgt Greg Balfour said that police still hoped someone would remember being on the trains with the man and could tell them what he looked like or whether he was with anyone else.

Mr Popic and Ms McDougall’s families fear their disappearances could be linked to Mr Kadwill’s involvement in a secretive doomsday cult.

None of the adults have touched their bank accounts or used their phones since July 2007 and police are investigating if they are in hiding or died in a murder-suicide pact.

Ms McDougall’s mother Kath said she hoped the release of new details might make someone realise they knew something that could help or decide now was the time to speak out.

The Perth train trip came a day after Ms McDougall called her mother to say Mr Popic was driving her and Leela to Perth ahead of a planned trip to Brazil and two days after the three of them were last seen selling a car to a Busselton dealership.

She said Mr Kadwill had already gone to South America but police have no evidence any of them went overseas.

Police suspect it was Mr Popic who used the J Roberts’ ticket and stayed at the Underground Backpackers because his mobile phone was used within minutes of the train arriving in Perth.

His driver’s licence was also used as identification to rent the double room. But it may have been Mr Kadwill posing as his friend, as it emerged after the group’s disappearance his real name was Gary Felton and he had stolen the Kadwill identity.

Mr Popic’s phone was used to make two calls early on July 16 before a taxi booked under the name of Tony went from the backpackers to the East Perth railway station.

Six minutes later, the man left on the Prospector and Mr Popic’s phone was not used again.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.