Tony Ditri: Cops outline next steps in search for Pemberton dad as John Della Franca assists police with probe

The search for the body of a Pemberton father-of-three, who was allegedly shot and killed by a local farmer, is set to continue into next week. John Della Franca was charged with murdering Tony Ditri after homicide detectives launched an investigation into the 40-year-old’s suspicious disappearance. The Warren River near where Mr Ditri’s abandoned truck was found on Saturday has been the main area of focus for the search. It is understood that Mr Della Franca, 64, has been assisting police with their enquiries in relation to the search. A relief police forensic team is set to arrive in Pemberton in the next couple of days to replace officers working to find Mr Ditri’s remains. The West Australian understands that police divers have finished their operation but a land and water search will continue through the weekend. The usually quiet and idyllic South West town has become a hive of police activity in recent days, with dozens of officers, detectives, forensics and divers deployed to investigated the alleged murder and bring Mr Ditri’s family closure. The task has become increasingly more difficult to the vast and dense bush area and increased currents in the local waterways as a result of recent heavy rain. Detectives yesterday completed their examination of Mr Della Franca’s property, just south of Pemberton. About four professional police divers were seen scouring a dam on his farm for evidence. The local tip on the outskirts of town — which adjoins Mr Della Franca’s farm — was also searched on Tuesday. It was where Mr Ditri was heading before he disappeared. Oddly, the tip was not open that day — operating only on weekends. Neighbours reported hearing gun shots on Friday afternoon. Police have also seized several rifles from Mr Della Franca’s farm. The search for Mr Ditri started on Friday night when he did not return home for dinner. Mr Ditri’s truck was found in bushland 20km south of Pemberton on Saturday. Mr Della Franca was arrested ojn the same day. The well-known and beloved local ran a handyman business and coached his daughter’s junior football team. Community members described him as a hard worker, a friend to everyone and a loving father and husband. “This has ripped apart our small little town,” one woman posted online. “Rest in Peace Tony, a great person and amazing community member. Just devastating.”