POLICE are hoping that someone may recognise a man who was seen near where David King was fatally shot in the head at Port Stephens, on Sunday, August 29, and who may be able to help with their investigation.
They have released footage of the man walking across a road from his vehicle, picking something up off the ground, and returning to his car. He has short grey hair and is wearing blue shorts and a striped T-shirt. Police say they do not believe that he is linked to the killing.
Police have also released footage of a burning vehicle.
Emergency Services were called out to Hideaway Drive, Salt Ash, about 1.45pm on Sunday, August 29 August 2021, following reports a white Ford Ranger utility had hit a tree. Police and NSW Ambulance paramedics found Mr King's lifeless body next to the driver's side of the Ford.
A short time later, officers located a burnt-out white Santa Fe located on Masonite Road, Heatherbrae, about 20km from the scene of the shooting.
Port Stephens-Hunter Police District commander Superintendent Chad Gillies has said that early investigations indicated a man with a gun was seen leaving the crash sited, and was collected in the white Hyundai Santa Fe, near the Pacific Highway.
Detectives have established Strike Force Breve to investigate the incident, with assistance from State Crime Command's Homicide Squad.
Among their lines of inquiry, police are investigating whether the killing was the result of a drug deal gone wrong.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
