Bar Beach fatal shooting legal proceedings

Legal proceedings have commenced following the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Ekampreet Singh Sahni at Bar Beach.

During a committal hearing at Newcastle Local Court, a key witness, Ja'Rell Warren De Jong, provided limited testimony. De Jong, who was reportedly in a stolen vehicle during the incident, claimed he could not recall specific details and used variations of “don't remember” or “can't recall” over 50 times. When confronted with video footage of himself holding firearms, he stated his vision was blurry and responded to questions about a black pistol by saying, “I guess so. I think. That is what I've signed so, I guess.”

In subsequent developments, 23-year-old Decklen Deaves-Thornton pleaded not guilty to murder but admitted to manslaughter by unlawful and dangerous act. Deaves-Thornton claims the shooting was accidental during a confrontation. He also pleaded guilty to destroying property by fire regarding the stolen Volvo used to flee the scene. 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 for pleas regarding murder, firearm, and driving offences.