A 37-year-old man faces murder charges after a woman’s body was found near Cessnock with a gunshot wound.
Emergency services were called to a home on Ellalong Street, Kearsley, about 7.30pm on Friday 31 October, following reports of a concern for welfare.
Once there, officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District found the body of a 39-year-old female.
Following the grim discovery, Hunter Valley detectives, assisted by State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad, established Strike Force Keavall to investigate the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death.
It’s understood a child ran to a neighbour’s property to find help.
Hunter Valley Police District Commander Superintendent Steve Laksa said the death of the woman, believed to be domestic violence-related, had involved a “traumatic incident”.
“It was quite horrific for family members, all involved, and her three children,” he told reporters.
“The community of Cessnock – and the Hunter Valley as a whole – will be affected by the tragic death of this young mother.
“However, I know there will be support for those involved.”
Police also alerted the public on Saturday 1 November that they wanted to speak with a 37-year-old, who may have been able to assist them with their enquiries.
About 6.45pm later that day, they received a tip the man was seen at a sporting club carpark on Eaton Street, Bellbird.
After arresting him, Strike Force detectives searched a parked Hyundai Tucson, locating and seizing a sawn-off shotgun and ammunition.
He was taken to Cessnock Police Station and charged with murder; possess prohibited drug (two counts); possess unauthorised prohibited firearm; and possess ammunition w/o holding licence/permit/authority.
After being refused bail, he’ll appear before Parramatta Local Court on Sunday 2 November.
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