Man Charged with Murder After Fatal Campground Altercation Near Ebor
A 26-year-old man has been charged with murder and other offenses after a 33-year-old man died following an alleged altercation at a campground near Ebor in northern New South Wales. The incident, which reportedly involved an axe, occurred in the early hours of Monday, March 2. The accused has been refused bail and is scheduled to appear in court in April.
A 26-year-old man faces murder charges after an alleged axe attack at a remote New South Wales campground resulted in the death of a 33-year-old.
Incident at Ebor Campground
The alleged incident took place at a campground near the Little Styx River, off Point Lookout Road in Ebor, approximately 80 kilometers east of Armidale. According to court details and police reports, an argument allegedly escalated around 10:30 PM on Sunday, March 1, or in the early hours of Monday, March 2.
The altercation involved a 33-year-old man and a 26-year-old man, who were known to each other and were camping together. A 25-year-old woman, identified as a friend of the victim, was also present at the campsite.
Police allege that the 26-year-old man struck the 33-year-old on the head with an axe, causing critical head injuries.
One witness reportedly woke to find the accused striking the victim. This witness also reported that the accused allegedly attempted to assault her when she tried to contact emergency services. She later received treatment for bruising to her neck.
Journey to Thora and Death of Victim
Following the alleged attack, the 25-year-old woman drove the injured 33-year-old man from the remote Ebor campground to Thora, a locality about 10 kilometers north-west of Bellingen.
Emergency services were contacted and responded to Thora shortly after midnight on Monday. However, upon their arrival, the 33-year-old man had died from his injuries.
Evidence presented in court suggested that the accused allegedly convinced a witness to assist in loading the body into a car and then reportedly asked another witness for a ride, indicating an alleged attempt to avoid police detection.
Police Response and Arrest
Police commenced an investigation, establishing a crime scene at the Ebor campground. Detectives from the homicide squad are assisting under Strike Force Ullmark.
On Monday, March 2, police located and arrested 26-year-old Ahwen Kohn near Ebor on Waterfall Way before midday. Mr. Kohn was subsequently transported to Armidale Police Station.
Charges and Court Proceedings
Ahwen Kohn was charged with:
- Murder
- Intentionally choking a person with recklessness (also stated as "intentionally choking a person")
- Assault occasioning actual bodily harm
During a bail hearing on Tuesday afternoon, Mr. Kohn appeared in court via video link. Police prosecutor Sergeant Mark Sinclair asserted the strength of the case against Mr. Kohn, stating that forensic evidence is substantial and that Mr. Kohn was found with a knife in his waistband upon arrest. Sergeant Sinclair also noted that three individuals reportedly witnessed Mr. Kohn's actions during and after the alleged murder.
Magistrate Miranda Moody formally denied Mr. Kohn's application for bail, citing the seriousness of the allegations, particularly concerning the alleged use of an axe in the murder.
Magistrate Miranda Moody formally denied Mr. Kohn's application for bail. She cited the seriousness of the allegations, particularly concerning the alleged use of an axe in the murder, despite the defense solicitor highlighting Mr. Kohn's lack of a prior violent criminal history.
Mr. Kohn remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court in Armidale on April 22. If convicted of murder, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Police have stated that they believe both the victim and the accused resided in the Thora area.