Tanja Ebert was a 23-year-old German mother of two who disappeared in South Australia on 8 August 2017. Police believe she was murdered, but her remains have never been found. Her husband, Michael Burdon, was identified by South Australia Police as the only suspect in her suspected murder.
The disappearance became a major South Australian investigation involving extensive searches of the family’s remote property. Years later, the question of what happened to Tanja remains unresolved.
Who was Tanja Ebert?
Tanja Ebert was a German citizen who moved to Australia in 2012. She later met South Australian pastoralist Michael Burdon and lived with him at Oulnina Park Station near Manna Hill in South Australia’s north-east.
Tanja and Michael had two young sons and married in 2017. Tanja was only 23 when she disappeared, while Michael was 41. Police later revealed there had been difficulties within their marriage.
Tanja Ebert’s disappearance
Tanja was last confirmed alive on 8 August 2017 while visiting Adelaide with Michael and their two children. Footage showed the family in the city, including a confirmed sighting at Adelaide Central Market at about 4.45pm.
Michael later told police that Tanja became agitated during their drive home and got out of their vehicle near Roseworthy. She was reported missing on 10 August. Her phone, passport and other personal possessions were reportedly left behind.
What happened to Michael Burdon?
Police began investigating Tanja’s disappearance and travelled to Oulnina Park Station. On 16 August 2017, while officers were conducting inquiries at the property, Michael Burdon died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
His death significantly complicated the investigation. South Australia Police later identified Michael as the only suspect in Tanja’s suspected murder. However, no criminal trial took place, and there has been no judicial finding establishing exactly what happened to Tanja.
Why police suspect murder
Investigators initially considered different possibilities, but the circumstances eventually led police to believe Tanja had been murdered. Authorities were aware that she had considered leaving the relationship and potentially travelling to New South Wales.
Michael’s account of Tanja leaving the vehicle near Roseworthy also became an important part of the investigation. Despite the police position, the precise circumstances of Tanja’s disappearance and presumed death remain unknown.
Search of Oulnina Park Station
A major search was conducted at the enormous Oulnina Park Station. Its remote location and size made the operation challenging. Police officers, volunteers and specialist teams searched different areas in an attempt to locate Tanja.
Investigators examined dams, water-storage areas, wells and mines around the property. Aerial searches and excavation work were also undertaken, but Tanja’s remains were not recovered.
Tanja Ebert’s children and family
Tanja was the mother of two boys, who were aged about one and three when she disappeared. After the events surrounding their parents, the children were reported to be safe and cared for by relatives.
The disappearance was also devastating for Tanja’s family in Germany. Her mother travelled to Australia while authorities were searching for her daughter. The lack of a recovered body has meant her family has been left without complete answers.
$200,000 reward for information
In 2018, South Australian authorities announced a $200,000 reward for information leading to the recovery of Tanja Ebert’s remains. Police hoped someone might hold information that could finally help locate her.
The reward highlights the importance investigators continue to place on finding Tanja. Information about the location of her remains could potentially provide new evidence and, most importantly, give her family long-awaited answers.
Where is Tanja Ebert now?
Tanja Ebert has never been found. Despite extensive searches and years of investigation, the location of her remains remains unknown. Her disappearance therefore continues to be treated as an unresolved suspected murder case.
Michael Burdon’s death means many questions may never be answered directly by the person police identified as their only suspect. Until new evidence emerges or Tanja is located, her disappearance remains one of South Australia’s unresolved missing-person cases.
