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Man charged after mother killed in domestic violence shooting

10 News First · New
10 News First
10 News First
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A wanted man is behind bars after almost 24 hours on the run, charged with the murder of 39-year-old Hunter Valley mother Rhukaya Lake, who was found shot dead inside a family home. Her new boyfriend is accused of pulling the trigger.

Breakdown
  • Christopher James McLoughney was arrested after nearly 24 hours on the run, charged with murder following a domestic dispute.
  • Police allege McLoughney shot Rikeya Lake, his partner of four months, in front of her seven-year-old child. 25s
  • McLoughney was apprehended in a Bellbird car park after a tip-off, and police seized drugs, ammunition, and a sawn-off shotgun from his vehicle. 52s
  • The victim, a mother of three, is survived by her children. 1m 15s
  • McLoughney did not apply for bail and will remain in custody until his next court appearance in Newcastle. 1m 33s
PoliceCrime