Homicide Squad detectives have extradited a man from Victoria and charged him over his alleged involvement in the murder of Laguna man, John Simpson.
John Simpson, aged 42, was reported missing to police in April 2023 after he was last seen on Great North Road in Laguna – about 40km southwest of Cessnock.
As part of inquiries, officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District – with assistance from specialist police – conducted a search of a nearby property where they located the 42-year-old man's body.
Local police commenced inquiries before State Crime Command's Homicide Squad took carriage of the investigation under Strike Force Blakely.
Initial inquiries suggest John Simpson suffered a fatal gunshot wound.
On Tuesday (18 July 2023), strike force detectives conducted another search of the property where they located three firearms, which were seized to undergo further forensic examination.
Detectives then applied for and were granted an arrest warrant for a 34-year-old man in Victoria.
With assistance from the Victoria Police Fugitive Squad, the man was arrested in Carlton, Melbourne, later the same day.
Homicide detectives travelled to Melbourne where they applied for and were granted the man's extradition to NSW in Melbourne's Magistrate Court.
He was escorted by detectives on a flight to Sydney yesterday (Wednesday 19 July), before he was taken to Mascot Police Station where he was charged with murder and possessing an authorised firearm.
The man was refused bail to appear before Downing Centre Local Court today (Thursday 20 July 2023).
Police will allege in court the 34-year-old man fatally shot John Simpson before burying him on a property in Laguna.
Investigations under Strike Force Blakely continue.
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
