Homicide Squad detectives have charged a man at Bonny Hills with murder following an investigation into the fatal shooting of another man at Newcastle last month. About 12.45pm on Thursday, July 22, emergency services were called to a unit at Darby St, Cooks Hill, following reports of shots fired. Upon arrival, police located a 40-year-old man inside the unit with a gunshot wound to the chest. Despite the efforts of emergency services, he died at the scene. The man has been formally identified as Wesley 'Wes' Prentice from Rutherford. Officers from Newcastle City Police District commenced inquiries, before detectives from the State Crime Command's Homicide Squad took carriage of the investigation under Strike Force Hibbard. Read more: Following extensive investigations, Homicide Squad detectives, with assistance from officers from Newcastle City Police District, Tactical Operations Regional Support (TORS), Police Negotiators, Mid North Coast Police District and the Dog Unit, arrested a 35-year-old man near a caravan park at Bonny Hills about 5.45pm on Sunday, August 1. During a search of the man's belonging, officers allegedly located a loaded firearm and cash. They were seized for forensic examination. He was taken to Port Macquarie Police Station, where he was charged with murder, possess loaded firearm in public place, possess shortened firearm (not pistol) without authority and possess unregistered firearm in public place. The Woodrising man was refused bail and appeared at Wauchope Local Court on Monday, August 2 where he was formally refused bail to appear at Port Macquarie Local Court on Wednesday, August 4. As part of ongoing inquiries, Strike Force Hibbard detectives executed two search warrants at Bonny Hills and Windale. During the searches, number of items were seized by police for forensic examination. Investigations are continuing. Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
