Detectives have laid an additional charge of murder against a man over the death of a woman in Bateau Bay earlier this year, under Strike Force Areegra.
About 9.30pm on Sunday 24 August 2025, emergency services were called to a unit on Melissa Close, Bateau Bay, following reports of a fire.
Officers attached to Tuggerah Lakes Police District attended, alongside Fires and Rescue NSW, who extinguished the blaze.
The body of a 77-year-old woman was subsequently found in the loungeroom of the single-level unit.
Police established a crime scene and commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Detectives attached to Tuggerah Lakes Police District established Strike Force Areegra to investigate the woman's death, with assistance from the State Crime Command's Homicide Squad.
On Monday 25 August 2025, a 26-year-old man was charged with damage property by fire/explosion (DV).
Inquiries established the woman had suffered significant injuries and died at the location prior to the unit fire.
Following further inquiries, an additional charge of murder (DV) was laid at Wyong Local Court today (Tuesday 18 November 2025).
