Terrigal’s Warren Browne has been identified as the man who carried out a murder suicide in Kotara South.
Shortly before 5pm on Saturday, March 14, Lake Macquarie Police were called to an address on Blackbutt Pde following reports of a man armed with a firearm.
On arrival, officers located Browne’s body outside the home suffering a gunshot wound, and the body of another man inside the home, also suffering a gunshot wound.
It’s understood the incident was domestic violence related, with the home being the residence of an ex-lover of Browne’s, who he had reportedly been harassing following a breakup.
The other deceased, identified as 42-year-old Williamtown man, Anthony Beck, was an acquaintance of the occupants.
It’s understood that Browne arrived at the home unannounced bearing a firearm, before firing it through a glass door at the front of the property, killing Beck, who was visiting the female occupant.
The occupant then fled through the rear of the property, before a second shot was fired.
Detectives from Lake Macquarie Police District are investigating.
A spokesperson for NSW Police has also confirmed that an internal investigation into Lake Macquarie Police District was underway.
It’s understood that the investigation would look at the District’s dealings with the female in question, who had reported Browne’s harassment to police earlier in March.
Standard police operating procedure dictates that officers take out an apprehended domestic violence order for complainants in domestic violence reports.
One was not issued against Browne.
The spokesperson said the matter was ongoing and that NSW Police would make no further comment at this stage.
Source:
Press release, Mar 14
NSW Police Media
Media statement, Mar 19
Reporter: Dilon Luke