Second Man Charged Over The Death Of John Simpson At Laguna

BY OLIVIA DILLON

A second man has been charged in relation to the alleged murder of another man in Laguna earlier this year.

John Simpson was reported missing to police in April 2023, after he was last seen on Great North Road in Laguna.

As part of inquiries, officers conducted a search of a nearby property, where they located the 42-year-old's body in May. 

Initial inquiries suggest Mr. Simpson suffered a fatal gunshot wound.

A 34-year-old man was arrested and charged with murder earlier this year and remains before the courts. 

Following further investigation, Strike Force Blakey detectives arrested a 49-year-old man at Cessnock Police Station yesterday (Tuesday the 14th of November, 2023). 

He was charged with accessory after the fact of murder and refused bail to appear at Cessnock Local Court today. 

Second Man Arrested Over The Murder Of Zachery Davies-Scott

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Another man has been arrested over the murder of a young man at Heddon Greta. 

Strike Force Roslyn detectives arrested and charged 25-year-old Talon Dean over the shooing death of Zachery Davies-Scott on Tuesday the 31st of October, 2023. 

Zac, who was 25 at the time, was shot dead inside a home on Traders Way in Heddon Greta, two days after Christmas last year. 

At about 6:00am on Thursday the 2nd of November, 2023, strike force detectives and Raptor Squad police arrested a second 24-year-old man in Cessnock.

He's been taken to Cessnock Police Station and is expected to also be charged with murder. 

The investigation is ongoing. 

Critical Incident Investigation Launched After Woman's Body Was Discovered In Muswellbrook

BY OLIVIA DILLON

A critical incident has been launched, after the body of a woman was found at a home in Muswellbrook. 

At about 7:20am yesterday (Monday the 30th of October, 2023), officers were called to a property on Sydney Street for a concern for welfare check.

Officers spoke with a 52-year-old woman, before leaving the scene a short time later.

Later, at about 7:00pm, officers were called to a licensed premises on the same street, following reports a woman was behaving in an erratic manner.

Police attended and spoke with a 52-year-old woman outside the club, before she was arrested and taken to the Calvary Mater Hospital under police guard for an assessment. 

At about 8:30pm, emergency services were called to the earlier Sydney Street property for another welfare check. 

Upon arrival, police found the body of a woman, believed to be in her 60's. 

It's not yet known how the woman died. 

A critical incident team from the Port Stephens-Hunter Police District will now investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Scott Tanner, says police are working to establish what the relationship between the two women is, and how officers responded to the two incidents. 

"With these matters, police have a view of all the circumstances surrounding the matter, and we wish to have an independent body look at the investigation, and the response of police at the time," he said. 

NSW Police To Suspend The Use Of Beanbag Rounds Following The Death Of Krista Kach From Stockton

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The death of a women in Stockton has resulted in the use of beanbag rounds being suspended by all NSW Police.

Krista Kach was shot with a beanbag round then tasered during a stand-off on Mitchell Street on Thursday the 14th of September.

She later died in hospital.

An autopsy has confirmed she was hit in the chest and pellets entered her heart.

A review will now be held into the safety of beanbag rounds. 

Stockton Woman Dies After Police Operation

BY OLIVIA DILLON

A critical incident investigation is underway after a Stockton woman died overnight.

 

Just after 12:30pm yesterday (Thursday the 14th of September, 2023), police were called to a unit complex in Mitchell Street at Stockton, following reports a woman was threatening people with an axe.

 

When they arrived, the 47-year-old woman allegedly threatened officers with the weapon before barricading herself inside a unit.

 

A police operation involving specialist tactical officers and negotiators then commenced, with officers finally gaining entry to the property at about 9:45pm.

 

Police reportedly used a taser to assist in taking the woman into custody.

She was then escorted from the scene in an ambulance, however, her condition deteriorated a short time later, and she was taken to the John Hunter Hospital, where she later died.

A crime scene was established and a critical incident team from the Homicide Squad will now investigate the incident.

The investigation will be subject to an independent review and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.

 

Former Charlestown MP Richard Face Dies, Age 80

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Former Hunter Labor MP and State Government Minister Richard Face has died at the age of 80. 

The Former Charlestown MP reportedly passed away last night after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease. 

He held the seat of Charlestown for 30 years, which is believed to be a record for any state or Federal MP in the region. 

Mr. Face also served as the Minister Assisting the Premier on Hunter Development, which is now known as the Minster for the Hunter. 

He was instrumental in the establishment of the Glenrock State Recreational Reserve, and was a staunch advocate for the construction of the West Charlestown bypass, and the redevelopment of McDonald Jones Stadium. 

One Dead After Three-Vehicle Crash At Mount Thorley

BY OLIVIA DILLON

One person has died following a three-vehicle crash at Mount Thorley.

Emergency services were called to a section of the the Golden Highway between Broke Road and Jerrys Plains Road at about 8:40am on Wednesday the 26th of July, following reports two trucks and one car had collided. 

The driver of one of the vehicles, a 19-year-old woman, died at the scene.

The other two drivers were taken to Singleton Hospital for mandatory testing.

A crime scene has been established and anyone with information or dashcam footage is being urged to get in contact with Singleton Police. 

UPDATE! Driver Dead After Serious Crash North Of Bulahdelah

BY IAN CROUCH/ OLIVIA DILLON

UPDATE:

A driver has died after a serious crash on the Pacific Highway at Boolambayte, north of Bulahdelah this morning.  

The car and semi-trailer collided in the southbound lanes near Squires Hill Road at about 5:15am, with the car ending up under the truck and both vehicles erupting in flames.

The driver of the car, who has not yet been formally identified, died at the scene. 

The 62-year-old male truck driver has been taken to Manning Base Hospital for mandatory testing and treatment for minor injuries including cuts and scrapes. 

EARLIER:

Emergency services have been called to a serious crash on the Pacific Highway at Boolambayte north of Bulahdelah.

A semi-trailer and a car have collided in the southbound lanes about 2 kilometres north of the Lakes Way.

It's understood the car has ended up under the truck which has burst into flames.

Bushland beside the highway is also on fire.

CCTV Footage Released as Investigation into Fatal Heddon Greta Shooting Continues

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Homicide Squad detectives have released CCTV footage as part of an ongoing investigation into the fatal shooting of a man in Heddon Greta last year. 

25-year-old Zachery Davies-Scott was shot dead at his home on Traders Way at Heddon Greta at about 10:50pm on Tuesday the 27th of December. 

Police have been told a number of people allegedly forced entry into the home before Zachary was shot.

The group then left the scene in a white SUV which was seized by police in February. 

As the investigation continues, police have released CCTV footage showing a male at a service station in Lambton.

They believe he may be able to assist with enquiries. 

He is being described as Caucasian in appearance, of a solid build, with dark hair.

 
He was wearing a black t-shirt with a white Nike logo, black shorts, a baseball cap, a cross-body bag and, white shoes.

We've posted the footage on the 2NURFM Hunter News Facebook page.

Anyone who recognises the man is being asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000

. 

A still image of the footage released by police. 

Newcastle Man Found Dead in Thai Gaol Cell

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Thai police are currently investigating the death of a Newcastle man inside a gaol cell. 

It's alleged former Hunter Sports High School student Matthew Winder was arrested on Sunday night for being drunk and disorderly outside a bar at Patong Beach. 

The 31-year-old was found dead at about midday on Monday. 

Police say he was the only occupant in his cell. 

Matthew's partner Ayla Varoxis, says she spoke to him five hours prior to the incident, and while he was intoxicated, he did not seem suicidal.

Image: Newcastle Herald 

 

Lake Macquarie Real Estate Agent Dies While on Holiday in Bali

BY OLIVIA DILLON

A Lake Macquarie real estate consultant has died while on holiday in Bali. 

Police say 28-year-old Chares James Bradley was found unresponsive on the road in North Kuta after leaving a popular club on Sunday night. 

His family confirmed his death today, however it's not yet known how he died. 

Charles had recently joined Belle property in Lake Macquarie as a lead agent. 

His family are now working with authorities to bring his body back to Australia. 

Man Accused of Orchestrating Stockton Murder Dies in Jail

BY OLIVIA DILLON

A man accused of orchestrating the murder of Stockton grandmother Stacey Klimovitch has died in jail. 

Stuart Daniel Campbell was scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday, but his lawyer was informed the morning of, he had passed away. 

Police allege the former partner of Ms Klimovitch’s daughter, employed Canberra man Jason Paul Hawkins to execute the 61-year-old.

Mr Hawkins and Stephen John Garland have also been committed to trial for the murder. 

Image: Newcastle Herald

Man Dies During Police Confrontation on the Central Coast

 BY ISABEL EVERETT

A critical incident investigation has been launched following the death of a man during a confrontation with police on the Central Coast on Thursday morning.

Officers from Tuggerah Lakes Police District attended Minnesota Road at Hamlyn Terrace shortly after 9am , after a stolen vehicle was tracked to the location following an earlier pursuit.

Shots were fired during a confrontation and the man died at the scene. He is yet to be formally identified.

A critical incident team from the Homicide Squad will now investigate all circumstances surrounding the incident.

That investigation will be subject to independent review.

All information will be provided to the Coroner who will determine the cause of death and make any findings about the events leading to the man’s death.

A police operation continues to find a second man believed to have left the scene.

Man Stabbed to Death in Suspected Road Rage Attack

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

A 32-year-old man has been charged with murder following a man's death at Belmont yesterday afternoon.

Around 1:30 on the Pacific Highway near Beach Street, a Holden Commodore and 4WD collided, and a short time later a 50-year-old man was found with stab wounds to the neck.

He died in the John Hunter Hospital a short time later, while the younger man was taken to Belmont Police station.

Police say the pair were known to each other and allege they became involved in a verbal altercation before the crash.

Officers arrested the accused at a home on Marriot Street, Belmont shortly after the incident.