MISSING Port Lincoln woman Susan Goodwin may have been murdered by someone who was very close to her, police have revealed.

The revelation — which narrows the list of potential suspects to less than a handful — is a significant development in the long-running cold case.

Police have also revealed it is “more than likely’’ that more than one person was involved in either the murder of Ms Goodwin, 39, or the subsequent disposal of her body near the town.

The officer in charge of the Major Crime Investigation Branch, Detective Superintendent Des Bray, yesterday said numerous scenarios had been discounted.

“We don’t believe it was an accidental overdose and we don’t believe she ran away. We are firm in our belief that she was murdered,’’ he said.

media_camera Susan Goodwin is believed to have been killed.

“We are now taking the investigation back to day one and investigating it as if the crime occurred today.

“In a case like this, history shows us it’s not uncommon for the offender to be someone related to the victim, friends or closely associated.

“We think it’s most likely she was murdered by somebody that she knew well.’’

Det-Supt Bray would not comment on a likely motive but indicated it had formed part of the renewed investigation.

Police received 20 calls to Crime Stoppers and to Task Force Lincoln detectives last week after distributing posters and placing banners on police cars urging Port Lincoln residents with information about Ms Goodwin’s murder to come forward.

“All of those calls will result in further investigation,’’ Det-Supt Bray said.

“The investigators are now confident the killer still resides in Port Lincoln and believe Ms Goodwin’s body was disposed of within a 30km radius of the town.

media_camera Senior Sergeant Hank Swalue with Ms Goodwin’s partner, Michele Peterson. Picture: Ivon Perrin

“It’s also likely her murder was not planned but there was more than one person involved, most likely in disposing of her body.’’

Det-Supt Bray appealed to those on the periphery of Ms Goodwin’s murder to contact police and said a $200,000 reward was available for information about her death or recovery of her remains.

Ms Goodwin disappeared on July 19, 2002, and was reported missing after she failed to pick up her partner, Michele Peterson, from work at 4.15pm that day.

media_camera Police posters have been distributed in various areas where she was last seen.

Ms Peterson started walking to their Moonta Crescent home but, at 4.27pm, accepted a lift from a work colleague.

When she arrived home, she found fresh meat ready to be cooked for their evening meal.

Ms Goodwin had only her clothes and about $140 with her when she disappeared.

Police later revealed they believed she was with other people when she died and may have been buried in a shallow grave. She was a social drug user.

In 2003, Ms Peterson pleaded for public help to solve the mystery.

“I think the possibility of her being alive is pretty slim. I think she’s probably dead but it would just be good to know,” Ms Peterson said at the time.

“There has got to be somebody out there who must know what has happened to her. It would be good to be able to put it to rest so I can get on with life.’’

Ms Peterson yesterday declined to comment on the renewed investigation when contacted by the Sunday Mail.

■ Anyone with information about the disappearance and murder of Ms Goodwin should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.