Woman charged with murder after fatal sword attack
A woman has been charged with murder and a man is under police guard over the daylight killing of a Sydney rapper who was allegedly attacked with a samurai sword.
Inner West
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A WOMAN was charged with murder and a man was under police guard in hospital on Tuesday morning over the daylight killing of a Sydney rapper who was allegedly attacked with a samurai sword.
The woman, 23, and man, 28, presented themselves to Newtown Police Station about 6pm on Monday after a three day manhunt for the pair following the violent death of Jett McKee, who was well known in Sydney’s hip-hop community.
Witnesses saw McKee, 30, staggering down Hereford St in Forest Lodge about 12.30pm on Friday with blood pouring down his face after suffering a massive head injury.
He then collapsed near Minogue Crescent where he died, just metres from Forest Lodge Public School, sending shockwaves through the quiet, tight-knit community.
Fortunately the students were off-site at a sports carnival but St Scholastica’s College in Glebe was forced into “lock-down”.
Student Natalie Hayward, 12, said they had been eating lunch when they were suddenly ushered indoors to safety.
“We had to go into a storage room next to the wood-tech room and they turned off the lights,” she said. “Everybody had to stay silent. It was scary.”
Her father Andy Hayward said: “It’s shocking because you wouldn’t expect something like that to happen in this area.”
Police are investigating whether Mr McKee was robbing a Hereford St house before he was allegedly slashed with a sword.
A replica handgun, balaclava and knuckle dusters were among several items of evidence removed from the grisly scene along with an object about one metre in length.
Fellow musicians took to Facebook to pay tribute to Mr McKee, who worked in an office by day and was a rapper by night, performing under the name Scepaz.
His Linkedin profile stated he formed hip-hop label Sub Conscious Records in 2007.
Triple J’s hip-hop show host Hau Latukefu posted: “I would see him at gigs, play his music on the show and he was always respectful. I know how hard it is to lose a loved one, especially at such a young age, so I’d like to wish strength and love to his family, crew and supporters.”
Jacob Jennings wrote Mr McKee was “another young artist taken away from this world too soon. You didn’t deserve this fate, you’re a legend in Aus hip-hop mate, hope you find peace in the afterlife brother”.
Mr. Ruckman wrote: “Condolences to fam and crew at Sub Conscious Records. Another legend of the Sydney rap scene lost. Big luv and rest in peace my dude.”
Edy Brock said: “You are a true genuine person, and more importantly a friend. I still don’t believe this. I love you bro. Strut forever.”
The woman was refused bail and appeared in Newtown Local Court on Tuesday.
The man was expected to be charged upon release from hospital, where he was being treated for a pre-existing facial injury.
Witness Lynne Charlesworth was at home at the time of the attack. “I heard a woman in the street yelling out, ‘Don’t!’ and screaming,” Ms Charlesworth said.
“I rushed out thinking she was being attacked.”
She then saw Mr McKee stumbling down the street, covered in blood.
“He was doing anything to get away, anything at all,” she said.