UPDATE: A shocking testimony unfolded in Sydney’s Supreme Court on October 20, 2025, as a key witness recounted the harrowing moments following a fatal shotgun shooting in a back paddock near Mudgee. Jesse-James McMillan-Davies, a farm worker, described the victim, David Collison, making a gut-wrenching “squealing” sound after being shot.
According to McMillan-Davies, the incident occurred on September 25, 2023, alleging that Eric James Forrest shot Collison three times—first as he held up his hands, and then twice while attempting to flee.
“It was horrendous,” McMillan-Davies told the court. He vividly recalled hearing Collison cry out, “Please, don’t, stop, stop,” before the chilling silence followed two additional gunshots. The gruesome aftermath saw Collison’s body reportedly burned in a hollow tree stump.
Collison, 53, was reported missing by his partner on October 15, 2023, after he failed to return to Sydney from a trip to pick up opals at the Wilbetree Road property. Forrest was arrested on October 24, 2023, following allegations that he confessed to a woman about the murder and the subsequent disposal of Collison’s body.
During his testimony, McMillan-Davies detailed his arrival at the property after using the drug ice on the way from Dubbo. He stated he had met Collison for the first time that night and described a group dynamic that turned sinister. He recounted the moment Forrest pointed a shotgun at Collison, who pleaded for his life, saying, “you’re my brother, I love you, please don’t.”
McMillan-Davies described the horrifying moment Forrest pulled the trigger, sending Collison “up off his feet.” The witness, visibly shaken, recalled: “I just remember the squealing out of him, out of Dave. A noise like a stuck pig. It was horrendous.”
After the shooting, McMillan-Davies reported seeing Forrest rummaging through Collison’s belongings before directing the tractor to the body. He described the scene, stating Forrest “was going through his pockets… looting him, you could say.” In a chilling admission, he detailed how they disposed of the body in foliage.
The trial, which began on October 8, 2025, has so far revealed a disturbing narrative of violence and betrayal. McMillan-Davies, who appeared in court wearing prison clothes, admitted to being under the influence of ice during the events. As the prosecution continues to present evidence, the defense has raised questions about the reliability of McMillan-Davies’ testimony.
Detective Senior Constable Anthony Moore confirmed that McMillan-Davies received a 25% discount on his sentence due to his past and potential future cooperation with the police. The courtroom drama is expected to continue, with further cross-examination scheduled for October 21, 2025.
As this chilling case unfolds, the community remains on edge, grappling with the implications of such a brutal crime. The developments in this trial are critical as they shed light on the tragic loss of life and the urgent need for justice. Stay tuned for updates as this story continues to develop.
