The man accused of murder at the Little Styx River campsite has been refused bail. Police allege he killed a fellow camper during a violent altercation at the remote spot on Point Lookout Road.
Ahwen Kohn, 26, appeared in Armidale Local Court via video link on Tuesday, charged with murder, intentionally choking a person with recklessness, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Emergency services were called to the Thora Store shortly after midnight on Monday 2 March, where NSW Ambulance paramedics found a 33-year-old man with critical head injuries. He could not be revived.
Police allege the fatal assault occurred about 10.30pm on Sunday at the Little Styx River campsite, off Point Lookout Road, roughly 20 kilometres west of Ebor and about 80 kilometres east of Armidale.
Officers attached to New England Police District established a crime scene at the isolated campground, with assistance from State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad under Strike Force Ullmark.
According to police, the 33-year-old man had been camping with Mr Kohn and a 25-year-old woman when he was allegedly struck with an axe during an altercation. All three are understood to live in the Thora area and to have known each other.
The court heard the woman drove the injured man from the campground to the Thora Store, west of the Gordonville Cutting landslip site on Waterfall Way and about an hour’s drive from the campsite, seeking help. It remains unclear why she did not drive to Dorrigo Hospital or a number of other closer locations; however, she told police she had also allegedly been assaulted and was treated for bruising to her neck.
During Tuesday’s bail hearing, police prosecutor Sergeant Mark Sinclair said the case against Mr Kohn was strong, with significant forensic evidence and multiple witnesses.
The court was told Mr Kohn allegedly killed the man with an axe following the altercation in the early hours of 2 March. It was further alleged he attempted to assault the female witness as she tried to contact emergency services.
“The witness was then convinced by the accused to help load the body into the car, and the accused then asked another witness for a lift,” the court heard.
Police also alleged there was evidence Mr Kohn was “willing to avoid police detection” and had a knife in his waistband at the time of his arrest.
Mr Kohn’s defence solicitor applied for bail, citing his lack of violent criminal history. However, Magistrate Miranda Moody formally refused bail.
“What is concerning is a man with limited history would allegedly commit a murder so serious, involving an axe,” Magistrate Moody said.
“It hasn’t been demonstrated why his detention is not justified.”
Mr Kohn’s matter was adjourned and is due to return to Armidale Local Court on 22 April. Investigations are continuing.
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