In a significant development, a 49-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection to the murder of John Simpson, 42, earlier this year in the Hunter region. Simpson was reported missing in April 2023, and his body was discovered on a property near Great North Road in Laguna.
State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad, under Strike Force Blakely, has taken charge of the investigation. Initial findings point to a fatal gunshot wound as the cause of Simpson’s death. A 34-year-old man was previously charged in connection to the case and is currently facing court proceedings.
Yesterday, detectives from Strike Force Blakely apprehended the 49-year-old suspect at Cessnock Police Station. He has been charged with being an accessory after the fact of murder and was denied bail. The suspect is scheduled to appear at Cessnock Local Court today.
Investigations under Strike Force Blakely remain ongoing as authorities work diligently to bring justice to the victim and his family.