A man has been charged with murder following an altercation on a rural property, more than a year on from the discovery of the victim.
The critically injured man was allegedly found on a fire trail in North Nowra on the NSW south coast on the evening of December 9, 2024.
Paramedics treated the 60-year-old for head injuries but he died at the scene.
He has been identified as local father Matthew O’Brien, the ABC reported.
Police allege he was attacked by local James Balfour – a stranger half his age – who was arrested on Monday and charged with murder and other unrelated offences including drug supply.
‘It was a random attack… but it was as a result of an altercation that took place,’ Detective Inspector Catherine Flood told reporters on Tuesday.
‘There was no weapon used.’
Balfour, 29, wore a stained yellow T-shirt and grey shorts as he appeared via video link from a police cell for Tuesday’s court hearing.
James Balfour was arrested at his home on Monday and charged with the 60-year-old’s murder and a raft of unrelated matters, including drug supply
The 29-year-old wore a stained yellow T-shirt and grey shorts as he beamed into bail court on Tuesday from a police custody cell
He did not apply to be released and is likely to remain behind bars on remand until his matters return to court in February.
Balfour’s alleged motivation is still being probed by NSW Police as investigations continue.
Investigators have not yet ruled out the possibility another person was involved in the alleged murder.
Past appeals to the community for information have proven fruitful but police believe more assistance can be provided.
‘Somebody knows something about this matter and we appeal to them to come forward,’ Det Insp Flood said.
