Christopher James McLaughney has been charged with murder following the death of 39-year-old Rhukaya Lake in Kearsley, near Cessnock, on Friday night.
About 7.30pm on Friday (31 October 2025), emergency services were called to a home on Ellalong Street after reports of a concern for welfare.
Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District attended and found the body of Ms Lake inside the home with a gunshot wound.
Following the discovery, detectives from the Hunter Valley Police District — assisted by the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad — established Strike Force Keavall to investigate the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death.
After extensive inquiries, strike force detectives attended a sporting club carpark on Eaton Street, Bellbird, about 6.45pm on Saturday (1 November 2025), where they arrested 37-year-old Christopher James McLaughney.
A search of a parked Hyundai Tucson allegedly uncovered a sawn-off shotgun and ammunition, which were seized for forensic examination.
McLaughney was taken to Cessnock Police Station, where he was charged with He was charged with murder, two counts of possessing a prohibited drug, possessing an unauthorised prohibited firearm, and possessing ammunition without holding a licence, permit, or authority.
He was refused bail and is due to appear before Parramatta Local Court today (Sunday 2 November 2025).
Police have confirmed that inquiries under Strike Force Keavall are continuing.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a report online. Information is confidential and can be provided anonymously.