Decklen Deaves-Thornton pleads manslaughter in Bar Beach shooting

Decklen Deaves-Thornton, 23, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of 18-year-old Ekampreet Singh Sahni but admitted to manslaughter by unlawful and dangerous act. The incident occurred on April 23 last year in a car park on Memorial Drive at Bar Beach.

Deaves-Thornton claims the shooting was accidental during a confrontation. He also pleaded guilty to destroying property by fire regarding a stolen Volvo used to flee the scene, which was later found burnt out at Tingira Heights. Prosecutors have rejected the manslaughter plea, and Deaves-Thornton is expected to face a murder trial in the NSW Supreme Court, potentially in 2027.

Jack Kennedy, 26, is alleged to have been the getaway driver. His legal proceedings have been adjourned to October 21, when he is expected to enter pleas regarding murder, firearm offences, and driving offences.