A 37-year-old man has been charged with murder following the death of a woman whose body was discovered with a gunshot wound at a home in Kearsley, New South Wales, on Halloween night.
Police found the body of Rhukaya Lake, 39, at a property on Ellalong Street about 7:30pm on Friday. Superintendent Steve Laksa described the incident as a “domestic violence related homicide” and said it was “quite horrific and traumatic for the police attending”.
Lake’s partner, Christopher James McLoughney, was arrested at a sporting club car park in Bellbird about 6:45pm on Saturday. Police allege they found a sawn-off shotgun and ammunition in his Hyundai Tucson during a search.
McLoughney has been charged with murder, possessing drugs, an unauthorised firearm, and ammunition without a licence. He was refused bail and appeared before Parramatta Local Court on Sunday, where a magistrate formally denied bail.
One of Lake’s children shared an emotional tribute on social media, writing: “Forever gone be in our hearts mum, this has absolutely shattered the whole family, it’s never gone be the same without you around!!”
Cessnock Mayor Dan Watton expressed deep sadness over the tragedy, offering condolences to the family and friends. “Please know that the entire Cessnock community stands with you,” he said.
