Further two charged after investigations into Newcastle fatal shooting, NSW

Homicide Squad detectives have charged a further two people following investigations into the fatal shooting of a man at Newcastle earlier this year.

About 12.45pm on Thursday 22 July 2021, emergency services were called to a unit at Darby Street, 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.

Following extensive investigations, a 35-year-old man was arrested near a caravan park at Bonny Hills on Sunday 1 August 2021.

He was charged over his alleged role in the incident and remains before the courts.

Following further investigations, strike force detectives executed a search warrant at Wickham Road, New Lambton, from 8.30am today (Friday 19 November 2021).

Several items relevant to the investigation were seized and will undergo further forensic examination.

Two people – a 38-year-old woman and 19-year-old man – were arrested during the operation.

The woman was charged with accessory after the fact to murder, while the man was charged with conceal serious indictable offence of other.

The pair were both refused bail and appeared at Newcastle Local Court today.

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