A second man has been charged with murder after the death of another man during a home invasion at Lake Macquarie last week.
Emergency services were called to the home on Lonus Avenue, Whitebridge, about 2.30am on Monday 17 December 2018, where they found a 60-year-old man with serious injuries.
The man was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics, before being taken to John Hunter Hospital. Despite the efforts of medical staff, the man died a short time later.
The man’s two brothers were home at the time but were not injured.
Local police established a crime scene at the home, which was examined by specialist forensic officers.
Detectives from Lake Macquarie Police District, assisted by the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad, established Strike Force Lacrozia to investigate the circumstances surrounding the man’s death.
A 19-year-old man was previously charged with murder. He remains before the courts.
Following further inquiries, a 23-year-old man was arrested at a home at Windale last Saturday (22 December 2018), before being taken to John Hunter Hospital for treatment to a pre-existing injury.
The man was released from hospital earlier today (Tuesday 25 December 2018), and taken to Belmont Police Station.
He was charged with murder, steal from person, impersonate police officer and exercise powers/functions, and police pursuit – not stop – drive recklessly.
Police will allege in court that the man is one of three people – armed with baseball bats and knives – who broke into the Whitebridge home and attacked the 60-year-old man in his bedroom.
He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court tomorrow (Wednesday 26 December 2018).
Investigations are continuing, and police are still seeking another man in relation to the incident.
Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Lacrozia detectives is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
