Police charge man after child abuse material located by Homicide Squad detectives

Detectives investigating the alleged 2018 murder of an Illawarra man have charged a man after allegedly locating child abuse material during their inquiries.

Police and emergency services were called to Carr Parade, Unanderra, about 2.15am on Wednesday 14 February 2018, following reports of a drive-by shooting.

A 33-year-old man suffered a gunshot wound and, despite attempts to revive him, he died at the scene. He was later formally identified as Nathan Costello.

Detectives from the State Crime Command's Homicide Squad and Lake Illawarra Police District established Strike Force Gangele to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

A 33-year-old man has previously been charged over the alleged murder and remains before the courts.

During the course of the investigation, strike force investigators also uncovered links to an alleged drug supply syndicate operating in the Lake Illawarra area.

As part of those inquiries, six people have been charged and remain before the courts.

Following further inquiries, strike force detectives will lay an additional charge of possess child abuse material on a 27-year-old man when he appears at Wollongong Local Court today (Wednesday 5 February 2020).

Police will allege in court that images, which constitute child abuse material, were located on the man's phone.

Investigations are continuing.

Police are urging anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Gangele detectives to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au/

Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. We remind people they should not report crime information via our social media pages.

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