Notorious child killer's cause of death released by SA coroner
A mandatory inquest delivers its findings into the death of South Australian child killer Bevan Spencer von Einem, who was convicted of the murder of 15-year-old Richard Kelvin.
Bevan Spencer von Einem, a notorious child killer, passed away last December after being diagnosed with lung cancer in September 2025, according to findings by South Australian coroner David Whittle. The 79-year-old had been serving a life sentence for the 1983 murder of Richard Kelvin, a 15-year-old boy whose father was Adelaide newsreader Rob Kelvin.
Von Einem fell asleep mid-sentence just a day before his death, after his general health had deteriorated due to confusion, reduced mobility, difficulty in maintaining hygiene, reduced oral intake, and shortness of breath. He was found while under a do not resuscitate order and had been treated palliatively with an array of 11 drugs, including anti-depressants.
Despite being provided with medical care of a high standard, von Einem expressed a willingness to explore treatment options for his illness during a doctor's visit on December 5. However, by the end of the review, he was unable to speak in full sentences due to the severity of his condition.
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas described von Einem's crimes as among the most horrific ever committed in South Australia, characterized by deliberate cruelty that destroyed lives and inflicted trauma that will resonate for generations. He also criticized von Einem for refusing to cooperate with the police, choosing silence over providing any information that could bring closure to the victims' families.
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