A Victorian man has been extradited and charged over his alleged involvement in the murder of Laguna’s John Simpson.
The 42-year-old Hunter resident was reported missing to police in April 2023 after he was last seen on Great North Road, about 40km southwest of Cessnock.
As part of inquiries, officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District, with assistance from specialist police, conducted a search of a nearby property where they located Mr Simpson’s body.
Local inquiries began before State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad took carriage of the investigation under Strike Force Blakely.
It was initially suggested Mr Simpson suffered a fatal gunshot wound.
On Tuesday 18 July, strike force detectives conducted another search of the property where they located three firearms, which were seized to undergo further forensic examination.
Detectives then applied for and were granted an arrest warrant for a 34-year-old man in Victoria.
With assistance from the Victoria Police Fugitive Squad, he was arrested in Carlton later the same day.
Homicide detectives travelled to Melbourne where they applied for, and were granted, the man’s extradition to NSW in Melbourne’s Magistrate Court.
He was escorted on a flight to Sydney on Wednesday 19 July, before being taken to Mascot Police Station where he was charged with murder and possessing an authorised firearm.
The male, 34, was refused bail to appear before Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday 20 July.
Police will allege in court, he fatally shot Mr Simpson before burying him on a property in Laguna.
Investigations under Strike Force Blakely continue.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au
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