Marlon Shawn McDonald was last confirmed alive on 5 September 2012.
That day, he attended the Commonwealth Bank at Forster to dispute money withdrawn from his account. Later, at 6:05 pm, he attended Forster Police Station and reported in line with a bail condition. After that, there was no confirmed sighting.
Marlon's family did not report him missing immediately. The 2018 coronial findings explain that his life at the time involved drug use, criminal charges, bail conditions, and violent conflict. Some people initially thought he may have left the area, gone to Sydney, or stayed away to avoid police. Concern grew after he failed to attend his uncle's funeral on 12 October 2012.
A formal missing person report was made in January 2013. The following month, after police received information from a registered source, Strike Force JOSQUIN was created and the State Crime Command Homicide Squad was notified.
One of the most unusual pieces of information was a phone call to a family friend in Ulladulla. The caller said Marlon was dead. According to the findings, the caller used Marlon's nickname and a family surname he did not publicly use. The coroner accepted that the call occurred, but could not determine whether the caller had firsthand knowledge or was repeating a rumour.
The investigation was difficult. Some witnesses were affected by drug and alcohol use, cognitive issues, mental health difficulties, hostility, or unreliable memory. Police examined many rumours, including claims about drug debts, prison enemies, bikies, overdose, robbery, possible sightings, and alleged disposal locations. None provided a concrete explanation for Marlon's disappearance.
The findings also recorded serious domestic violence by Marlon toward his partner at the time. She had gone to police on 28 August 2012, and an interim apprehended violence order was made to protect her. On 1 September 2012, Marlon confronted her near a known drug house in Windale. She later travelled to Sydney. Police confirmed some of her movements through road camera evidence and later police contact.
On 2 November 2018, Deputy State Coroner Harriet Grahame found that Marlon McDonald was dead. The coroner found that he died on or shortly after 5 September 2012 in New South Wales. His cause of death remained unknown.
The coroner found Marlon's death was suspicious and said it appeared most likely he had met with foul play. She also said it was most likely he had been a victim of crime. But the court could not identify who, if anyone, caused his death, how he died, or where exactly it happened. No person was found legally responsible.
The coroner recommended that Marlon's death be referred to the Unsolved Homicide Unit of the NSW Police Homicide Squad for review and potential reinvestigation. She also recommended that NSW Police apply for and support a reward for information leading to the recovery and return of Marlon's remains to his family.
Marlon's case remains unresolved. The official finding is clear that he is dead and that his death is suspicious. It is also clear that the most important answers are still missing.