Homicide Squad detectives investigating the stabbing murder of a man on the state’s South Coast have released CCTV vision of a vehicle and commenced a coordinated search of waters at Sanctuary Point.
About 8pm on Sunday 25 July 2021, emergency services were called to a caravan park on Ethel Street at Sanctuary Point, following reports of a stabbing.
Upon arrival, officers entered a cabin and located a man with a stab wound to his chest.
Officers attempted CPR on the man; however, he could not be revived and died at the scene.
He was formally identified as 49-year-old Sanctuary Point resident, David McArthur.
Initial inquiries were conducted by officers from South Coast Police District before detectives from the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad took carriage of the investigation under Strike Force Frawley.
Yesterday (Tuesday 12 October 2021), strike force detectives returned to the South Coast to conduct a public appeal for information as part of ongoing investigations.
Acting on information, Homicide Squad detectives, assisted by officers from South Coast Police District, coordinated a search of waters around the Sanctuary Point Boat Ramp earlier today (Wednesday 13 October 2021).
Additionally, police have released CCTV vision of a utility and person depicted at the Sanctuary Point boat ramp on the night of David’s death.
Homicide Squad, Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Walpole, said the search formed part of proactive investigations being conducted throughout the week.
“Today we have canvassed the waters around Sanctuary Point Boat Ramp – a location searched by investigators soon after David’s murder back in July,” Det Ch Insp Walpole said.
“We have also reviewed CCTV from the area, which depicts a utility and an unknown person at the location about 8pm on Sunday 25 July 2021.
“Investigators don’t believe the person or persons in this utility were involved in the murder of David McArthur; however, they may have crossed paths with those in the offending vehicle and we’re keen to speak with them.
“I want to thank the community of Sanctuary Point who have been very forthcoming with detectives and use this opportunity to reassure them that Homicide Squad detectives remain dedicated to finding out what happened here three months ago.
“We now have several new lines of inquiry which we are exploring – our door remains open to anyone who wishes to speak with us and help David’s family get the answers they deserve.
Investigations under Strike Force Frawley are continuing.
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
