‘Dangerous’: Manhunt after wife shot dead

Kevin Jewell is suspected of killing his wife. Picture: Supplied
Kevin Jewell is suspected of killing his wife. Picture: Supplied

A man suspected of killing his estranged wife in a horrific domestic violence attack is “armed and dangerous”, police have warned, as a massive manhunt gets under way to bring him in.

South Australia Police allege Kevin Jewell shot dead Jodie Jewell, 55, at the home they lived in separately in Modbury North in Adelaide’s outer northeast.

The couple shared a teenage daughter together, but the police said the girl was not at home at the time of the shooting.

Superintendent Doc Bray said Ms Jewell was killed just after 6pm on Tuesday.

Police have launched a large-scale search for Mr Jewell who police believe is armed and should not be approached.

Jodie Jewell was allegedly murdered in Modbury North on November 21. Picture: Supplied
Jodie Jewell was allegedly murdered in Modbury North on November 21. Picture: Supplied
Wanted man Kevin Jewell. Picture: Supplied
Wanted man Kevin Jewell. Picture: Supplied

Superintendent Bray appealed for the 55-year-old Mr Jewell to hand himself in.

“If Kevin is watching, I make this appeal to him,” he said.

“Kevin, you can’t undo what has been done last night. A warrant has been issued for your arrest today.

“We are actively looking for you and we will locate you.

“I encourage you forthwith, straight away, without any delay, to engage with a solicitor and negotiate your safe surrender to the police.”

Superintendent Doc Bray said a man suspected of killing his wife was considered ‘dangerous’. Picture: Duncan Evans
Superintendent Doc Bray said a man suspected of killing his wife was considered ‘dangerous’. Picture: Duncan Evans

“We believe Kevin is armed with a rifle and ammunition and he would know that police are looking for him,” he said on Wednesday.

“He’s considered to be armed at this point, is considered dangerous and should not be approached by anybody.”

It’s believed Mr Jewell is travelling in a white 2008 Mitsubishi Triton ute with P-plates and registration XTN167.

The vehicle was last seen at 7.28pm on Tuesday night near Port Wakefield heading north.

“We don’t know where he is and we don’t know what direction he has gone from Port Wakefield,” Superintendent Bray said

The police warn the public not to approach Mr Jewell and to contact police immediately if they spot him.

Officers are now on the hunt for a 2008 Mitsubishi Triton ute with registration XTN167. Picture: SA Police
Officers are now on the hunt for a 2008 Mitsubishi Triton ute with registration XTN167. Picture: SA Police
Officers are now on the hunt for a 2008 Mitsubishi Triton ute with registration XTN167. Picture: SA Police
Mr Jewell’s whereabouts are unknown. Picture: SA Police

The police said they had information that Mr Jewell removed things from the home on Tuesday afternoon, including backpacks, an Esky and other “bulky items”.

“It may be the case he was preparing to go to a country location,” Superintendent Bray said.

Ppolice discovered Ms Jewell’s body at the home after a friend called them out of concern for her welfare.

Jodie Jewell was allegedly murdered at her Modbury North home. Picture: Facebook
Jodie Jewell was allegedly murdered at her Modbury North home. Picture: Facebook

Ms Jewell’s death is the fourth serious domestic violence incident to strike South Australia in just a week.

On Tuesday, a 50-year-old man was arrested for the alleged murder of a 44-year-old woman at Felixstow on November 15.

“The man was charged with murder and will appear in the Coober Pedy Magistrates Court later today,” the police said on Wednesday.

“The accused is known to the victim and no other persons are being sought by police.”