CONTENT WARNING: This article discusses alleged domestic violence.
A man has been charged with the murder of Rhukaya Lake, after she was found dead in a NSW home on Friday night.
At about 7.30pm on October 31, emergency services were called to a property on Ellalong Street, Kearsley, following reports of a concern for welfare.
When authorities arrived at the scene, they located the body of Lake, 39, with a gunshot wound within the home.
Officers claim a child was responsible for raising the alarm by alerting a member of the public after running 400 metres following the alleged attack, 9News reports. According to The Guardian, the child was understood to have run to a neighbour’s property for help.
The passerby stopped and called the police, leading them to the devastating discovery.
Following the discovery of Lake, police made a public appeal to find 37-year-old Christopher James McLoughney, who lived with Lake.
On Saturday, a 37-year-old was arrested and charged with murder, two counts of possessing a prohibited drug, possessing an unauthorised prohibited firearm and possessing ammunition without holding a licence, permit or authority.
After the arrest, police searched a parked Hyundai Tucson, finding a sawn-off shotgun and ammunition.
Per the Sydney Morning Herald, Hunter Valley Police District Commander Superintendent Steve Laksa described Lake’s death as a “traumatic incident”.
“I can only imagine the adverse impact this is going to have on community members and the family members,” Laksa said.
Speaking to 9News, neighbour Michelle Antonio described the incident as “devastating [for] our community”.
“It’s very heartbreaking,” Antonio said.
The man was refused bail and set to appear before Parramatta Local Court today.
Help is available.
If you require immediate assistance, please call 000.
If you’re in distress, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or chat online.
Under 25? You can reach the Kids Helpline at 1800 55 1800 or chat online.
To speak to someone about domestic violence, including for help in leaving a violent relationship, please call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or chat online.
Image source: 9News.
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