Surfer Kye Schaefer: Alleged murderer Matthew Willacy, 36, faces court in Coffs Harbour

Generations of young surfer Kai Schaefer’s family filled half the courtroom as the case against the man accused of his murder continues. Here’s what happened.

Kye Schaefer was allegedly murdered May 2, 2024 in Park Beach Surf Club car park in Coffs Harbour.

It was a long wait of close to four hours for the family of surfer Kye Schaefer who filled half of the courtroom as the case against his alleged killer returned to court.

Generations of Mr Schaefer’s family were in attendance in the front and back rows on Tuesday at Coffs Harbour District Court.

Homeless man Matthew Willacy, 36, is charged with murdering the 21-year-old on the morning of May 2 in the Park Beach carpark in Coffs Harbour.

Willacy is also charged with larceny and robbery armed with offensive weapons.

The court heard from prosecutor Ms Fertuzzi that the police required an extension to compile their brief of evidence.

Flowers at the Park Beach car park scene of the fatal Coffs Harbour stabbing of surfer Kye Schaefer, 22. Picture: Janine Watson/Coffs Coast Advocate

“The homicide matter is very complex — there are thousands of pages and CCTV footage,” she said.

Willacy has not entered pleas and his defence lawyer Ms Meech said she had not been instructed by her client who remains in custody.

Magistrate Jillian Kiely granted the police request for an extension for charge certification and the matters are listed for 10 December.

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