Fourth person charged over the alleged murder of Zachery Davies-Scott in the Hunter Region
Thursday, 15 May 2025 02:28:02 PM
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Homicide Squad detectives have charged a fourth person following an investigation into a home invasion and fatal shooting in the Hunter region in 2022.
About 10.50pm on Tuesday 27 December 2022, emergency services were called to Traders Way at Heddon Greta – about 20km east of Cessnock – following reports a man had been shot.
NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the man; however, he died at the scene.
He has since been identified as 25-year-old Zachery ‘Zac’ Davies-Scott, known to many in the area as ‘Donnie’.
State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad took carriage of the investigation under Strike Force Roslyn, with assistance provided from officers attached to the Hunter Valley Police District and Northern Region.
Police were told a group of people allegedly forced entry to the Heddon Greta home before Mr Davies-Scott was fatally shot in what is believed to be a home invasion gone wrong.
A 52-year-old woman also sustained minor injuries attempting to fight off the alleged attackers.
Other family members home at the time – including two children, aged two and four, and Mr Davies-Scott’s pregnant partner – witnessed the incident, but were uninjured.
Four people have previously been charged and three remain before the courts. A woman was convicted of hindering the investigation.
Following further inquiries, just before 7am today (Thursday 15 May 2025), strike force detectives executed a search warrant at Lambton where they arrested a 45-year-old man.
During the search, police located and seized a replica pistol, knuckle dusters, prohibited drugs, and a stolen vehicle.
The man was taken to Waratah Police Station, where he was charged with murder, possess unauthorised pistol, acquire firearm - subject to prohibition order, and goods in personal custody suspected being stolen.
Police will allege in court the man was a part of the joint criminal enterprise responsible for the murder, assisting the group before and after the incident.
He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today.