According to a press release from the NSW Police Force, a second man has been charged in relation to the murder of another man earlier this year. According to police, 42-year-old John Simpson was reported missing in April 2023 after he was last seen on Great North Road in Laguna. Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District conducted a search of a nearby property where they located the man’s body.

Local police carried out inquiries before State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad took over under Strike Force Blakely. According to police, initial inquiries suggest Simpson suffered a fatal gunshot wound. A 34-year-old man was charged earlier over his alleged role. After further investigation, strike force detectives arrested a 49-year-old man on Tuesday, 14 November 2023.

The 49-year-old has been charged with accessory after the fact of murder and refused bail.