UPDATE: A manhunt is actively underway following the grim discovery of a woman’s body at a residence in Kearsley, near Cessnock, on October 31, 2023. Emergency services responded to a call about a domestic violence incident at approximately 7:30 PM on Halloween night.
Authorities confirmed that the victim, a 39-year-old woman, was found dead at the scene. Superintendent Steve Laksa described the scene as “quite horrific and traumatic for the police attending,” highlighting the gravity of the situation.
Eyewitness accounts reveal that three children were present during the incident, with one child reportedly fleeing the house in a desperate bid for help from neighbors. “It was a traumatic incident, as you’d imagine,” Laksa stated. “Quite horrific for family members, all involved – her three young children, or two adult children, one young child.”
Neighbor Cecil Campbell recounted the distressing scene, stating that the child was screaming “hysterically” for assistance. “It was bloody shocking,” he told The Daily Telegraph. “This has never happened here before.”
Police are now urgently seeking to speak with Christopher James McLoughney, aged 37, believed to be in a relationship with the deceased at the time of the incident. He is described as having a caucasian appearance, very short red hair, and standing approximately 175 cm tall.
Superintendent Laksa issued a warning to the public, indicating that McLoughney may be armed and could be in the Cessnock, Lower Hunter, or Newcastle areas. “Police would ask that community members, if they do know this person or have seen this person, to use caution,” he advised.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000. The urgency of this situation highlights the need for community vigilance as the manhunt continues.
As this story develops, authorities are expected to provide further updates regarding the search for McLoughney and the investigation into this tragic incident. Stay tuned for the latest developments.
