Family and friends of Rhukaya Lake have been left “shattered” after the 39-year-old was allegedly killed at home by a man in the NSW Hunter Valley.
On Friday, Lake was found in a home in Kearsley at about 7:30pm, following reports that a woman had been injured and alleged gunshots were heard.
Lake’s son shared a heartfelt tribute to social media, saying the world would never be the same without his mum.
“Forever in our hearts mum, this has absolutely shattered the whole family, it’s never going to be the same without you around,” the tribute read.
“You made some pretty big steps within the last few months and none of it went unnoticed.”
Hunter Valley Superintendent Steve Laksa said the death of the woman involved a “traumatic incident” and that the scene “was quite horrific for family members, all involved”.
Per SMH, Laksa said: “I can only imagine the adverse impact this is going to have on community members and the family members.”
It’s understood that a child raised the alarm by running around 400 metres to alert passing motorists.
After Lake’s body was found with an alleged gunshot wound, officers made an appeal to find 37-year-old Christopher James McLoughney, who lived with Lake.
McLoughney was tracked down to Bellbird Park Bowling Club, where he was arrested by police on Saturday evening.
“Following the arrest, strike force detectives searched a parked Hyundai Tucson, locating and seizing a sawn-off shotgun and ammunition,” police said.
McLoughney was taken to Cessnock Police Station and charged with murder, two counts of possessing a prohibited drug and possessing an unauthorised prohibited firearm and ammunition without holding a license.
A lawyer representing McLoughney, Osman Samin appeared at the Parramatta Local Court on Sunday and described the incident as “tragic” and that “everyone involved is very distraught”.
A neighbour, Michelle Antonio told Nine News that the incident is “heartbreaking” and “devastating” for their community.
A Sydney magistrate formally denied McLoughney bail, and he will remain behind bars until his next court appearance in Newcastle in January.
Lake is the 58th Australian woman lost to violence this year and the 162nd killed since January 1, 2024, according to statistics from Australian Femicide Watch.
Data from the Australian Institute of Criminology shows that, on average, one woman is killed every 9 days by a current or former partner.
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, chat online via 1800RESPECT.org.au or text 0458 737 732.
If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit www.ntv.org.au.
Feeling worried or no good? No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn. Speak to a 13YARN Crisis Supporter, call 13 92 76. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
In an emergency, call 000.