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Christopher McLoughney Denied Bail Over Alleged Hunter Valley Domestic Violence Murder

The case returns to court in January following the seizure of a sawn-off shotgun for forensic testing.

Overview

  • Christopher James McLoughney, 37, was refused bail in Parramatta Bail Court after being charged with the murder of 39-year-old Rhukaya Lake.
  • Police say Ms Lake was found with a gunshot wound at a Kearsley home on Friday evening after reports of gunfire.
  • A child at the residence walked roughly 300 to 400 metres to seek help from motorists before officers arrived.
  • McLoughney was arrested in Bellbird on Saturday night after a public tip-off, and officers allegedly found a sawn-off shotgun and ammunition in his car.
  • Strike Force Keavall and homicide detectives continue the investigation as the matter is adjourned to January 2026 at Newcastle Court.