Tony Ditri: Search for allegedly murdered Pemberton dad ramps up as John Della Franca faces court

Dozens of additional police officers and extra resources have been deployed to the South West as the search for an allegedly murdered well-known father continues. Pemberton man Tony Ditri was reported missing on the afternoon of August 27 after he failed to return home from a trip to the local tip. John Della Franca, 64, has since faced Bunbury Magistrates Court accused of killing Mr Ditri on the day he went missing — but police are yet to find the remains of the father of three. WA Police homicide squad Senior Sergeant Cameron Blaine said the search for Mr Ditri’s body had now entered its second phase. Efforts last week included police divers searching a dam on the property owned by Mr Della Franca and his homestead, with the main search area being the Warren River — close to where Mr Ditri’s abandoned truck was found the day after he went missing. Sgt Blaine said phase two would expand the search on areas of interest, with additional personnel and resources being brought in to help. “The police air wing is searching areas of the Warren River, mounted police are searching along routes of interest, a squad of police recruits and their supervisors are searching areas of dense bushland,” he said. “The two areas that have been searched, one relates to the area where Mr Ditri’s truck was found, the other search area relates to an area of that became apparent to us throughout the course of the investigation. “Local police are supporting search efforts with logistical matters and the WA Police force is committed to the search for Mr Ditri for the benefit of the family, the Pemberton community and the investigation.” Sgt Blaine said although the Warren River was difficult to navigate with strong currents due to recent rainfall, police would continue to methodically search the area. “It’s slow going, so we’re grateful that the police recruits have interrupted their training to come down and help us with that effort today,” he said. “The river has many obstacles and it’s zero visibility but we’re satisfied that we’re making good progress and that search will continue throughout the remainder of the week. “It is very, very thick and dense bushland, so it’s very difficult.” Sgt Blaine said some members of the local community had taken up their own search efforts. “The public are trying to be as helpful as they can; some members of the local community have been searching the area, we’re aware of that and we understand that’s well intended,” he said. “Whilst we certainly don’t encourage that because it can actually cause issues for the police search in terms of finding evidence of people being in certain places and areas, we understand their motive and their intentions are well intended. “We encourage anyone that has information to come forward and call Crime Stoppers or contact your local police and pass on that information.”