Secrecy still surrounds Whyalla murder
Secrecy surrounds the murder of well-known Whyalla woman Dianne Rogan after her accused killer appeared in court today.
Police successfully applied in the Port Augusta Magistrates Court this afternoon for a suppression order on the man’s identity to shield their investigations.
The 51-year-old accused was silent as he was brought handcuffed into the dock.
His alleged victim Dianne Rogan was found dead in her backyard on Friday morning.
Police declared her death a major crime on Saturday, and yesterday arrested the accused.
Police said the two knew each other, but have remained tight-lipped about other details in the case.
Mrs Rogan’s husband and son were holidaying in England at the time of the murder and rushed home to Whyalla at the weekend.
This afternoon, a united Rogan family made no comment while leaving court.
The accused killer did not apply for bail.
He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear there again in September.
Meanwhile, Police Commissioner Gary Burns has praised Whyalla police for helping make the arrest within 48 hours of Mrs Rogan’s death being declared a major crime.
“The response from local police and Major Crime detectives was outstanding,” he said.
“It was a real team effort."
Commissioner Burns also thanked the Whyalla community for their patience and assistance.
“Murder anywhere is bad enough, but when it’s in a smaller community, like Whyalla, the impact is felt across the whole town,” he said.
