Enigma About Death Of Adelaide Lecturer (Press, 22 July 1972)

Dr George Ian Ogilvie Duncan, an English-born academic, drowned in the Torrens River in Adelaide on May 10, 1972, an event that has given rise to numerous mysteries and controversies involving police, homosexuals, and an unclaimed estate valued at $50,000. Dr Duncan, 41, who was described as a reserved individual often seen reading "The Times," was a lecturer in law at the University of Adelaide. Following an 11-day inquest, the Coroner, Mr T. E. Cleland, determined that Dr Duncan's death was due to drowning brought about by violence at the hands of unidentified individuals. Witnesses stated that Dr Duncan had been thrown into the river, where his body was found in a state of neglect. Roger Wesley James, a key witness, recounted that he observed Dr Duncan being attacked by a group of men at the river's edge. After being assaulted himself, James managed to escape and reported seeing Dr Duncan struggling for breath before being submerged. Although he was later rescued and brought to the hospital, James suffered from a broken ankle and was in a state of distress when found. The inquest highlighted an unsettling atmosphere within the police department, as three members of the Adelaide vice squad who were present near the scene chose not to answer questions during the proceedings, invoking legal privilege. This lack of cooperation led to public scrutiny, resulting in their resignation after the inquest concluded. In response to the growing concerns surrounding the case, the state government offered a $5,000 reward for any information that could lead to a conviction regarding Dr Duncan's death. Dr Duncan was known to have identified as a homosexual, and his death raised significant questions about the treatment of the homosexual community in Adelaide. In light of these events, a call for reform emerged, manifesting in a campaign for the legalisation of homosexuality. A 20-cent button appeared on the streets of Adelaide with the slogan "How many more Duncans? Legalise homosexuality now." This advocacy was further supported by a member of the South Australian Legislative Assembly, who announced intentions to introduce a private member’s bill aimed at legalising private homosexual acts between consenting adults. As the case remains unsolved, the circumstances surrounding Dr Duncan’s death serve not only as a tragic reminder of an individual life lost but also as a catalyst for discussions and movements seeking change in societal attitudes towards homosexuality in South Australia. By July 1972, the mystery was unresolved, with police efforts ongoing and the public increasingly invested in both justice for Dr Duncan and reform of the legal framework surrounding homosexuality.

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