‘Horrific for family members’: Mother found dead after suspected domestic violence incident

4 hours ago 5

We’re sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. We’re working to restore it. Please try again later.

Skip to sections navigation Skip to content Skip to footer

NSW Police are appealing for information to locate a potentially armed man after his partner’s body was found at a Hunter Valley home on Friday night following reports of domestic violence.

The body of the 39-year-old woman was found by police officers at a home at Kearsley, near Cessnock, after one of her children walked 300 to 400 metres from the home seeking neighbours’ help, Hunter Valley Police District Commander Superintendent Steve Laksa said on Saturday.

Detectives have launched an investigation into the death, and are seeking information on the whereabouts of 37-year-old Christopher James McLoughney, Laksa said.

McLoughney resided with the 39-year-old woman and had been in an intimate relationship with her since June.

He is considered to be armed, police say, and is potentially in the Cessnock, Lower Hunter or Newcastle areas.

McLoughney is described as Caucasian in appearance, with short ginger hair, of a thin build, and approximately 175 to 178 cm tall. Police have urged members of the public to exercise caution and come forward to police if they have any information on his whereabouts.

Laksa said the death was a “traumatic incident”.

“It was quite horrific for family members, all involved, and her three children … As you can imagine, a domestic violence related homicide would be quite confronting for any person,” he said.

“I can only imagine the adverse impact this is going to have on community members and the family members.”

Emergency services attended the Ettalong Street home in response to a domestic violence report at 7.30pm on Friday. Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District then attended and established a crime scene.

Specialist forensic officers are now involved, and the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad are assisting detectives with their investigation.

There will be an autopsy conducted to determine the woman’s cause of death.

NSW Police urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Lifeline 13 11 14; Beyond Blue 1800 512 348; Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800; National Domestic Family and Sexual Violence Counselling Service 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).