A man wanted by police over the fatal stabbing of a woman in the Newcastle region has been shot dead by police.
NSW Police has launched a critical incident investigation following the shooting.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District, who were investigating the death of 27-year-old Gabriella Thompson, went to a home in Vena Street, Glendale, just before 9:00am.
When officers confronted 21-year-old Tafari Walton at the property, he allegedly threatened them with a knife.
They shot him and he died at the scene.
Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell said police had no alternative but to shoot Mr Walton.
"The interaction, to my information, was quite quick," he said.
"Basically, I believe that, as police have located this person in the rear yard, he has come at police armed with what would probably be described as a 10-centimetre bladed folding knife."
Police had been searching for Mr Walton over a number of incidents during the night which they described as having the potential for injury or loss of life, the Assistant Commissioner said.
"I believe, on all the information that is known to myself at this point in time, I think our police have done an excellent job," he said.
Yesterday, emergency crews were called to Stephens Avenue at Glendale about 11:30am and found a woman suffering multiple stab wounds to her head, neck and chest.
She was treated by paramedics before being taken to Newcastle's John Hunter Hospital, where she later died.
Neighbours had reported hearing arguing from the house throughout the previous night.
'She was so kind'
Ms Thompson's neighbour Naomi Tyrrell broke down in tears as she described losing her friend.
"Just sad that a woman who is also a mother can go out like this, domestic violence just needs to stop," she said.
"I'm a bit confused about how this keeps happening. I feel so emotional about it."
"She was such a beautiful girl. She was so kind, she was very quiet.
"Even though I haven't seen her for a while, it is very close to my heart and I'm very upset by it."
