David Vale’s eldest daughter speaks out after his tragic death on Kempsey street

The eldest daughter of a dad of nine stabbed to death on a Kempsey street has spoken of her heartbreak – and relief charges have now been laid. Here’s what she had to say.

Lakeesha Vale at the memorial for her father David Vale, set up outside the South Kempsey home, formerly occupied by David's nephew, where he died from stab wounds. Picture: Janine Watson

Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this story contains images of a deceased person.

The eldest daughter of a man stabbed to death on a Kempsey street has spoken of his dedication to family and her relief that charges have now been laid.

David Vale, 39, was allegedly murdered by his cousin Conrad Peter Lardner on the evening of March 1 this year, during an altercation in the street.

Lakeesha Vale is in her last year of high school at Taree and was planning to move in with her father, a dad of nine children, after she finished her final exams.

Lakeesha Vale has a tattoo in memory of her dad. Picture: Janine Watson

“We had a real good bond. We would go for drives and just talk about everything,” Lakeesha said.

Emergency services were called to Robert Eggins St, South Kempsey about 11pm on the day, but Mr Vale could not be saved and died in the arms of his nephew, according to family.

Kempsey man David Vale was stabbed to death – allegedly by his cousin Lardner. Picture: Supplied

A prosecutor alleged in court on Thursday that Mr Vale divulged the name of his killer with his last breaths.

Lardner, 48, was arrested by NSW Police in Sydney on Wednesday morning and charged with murder. He has been denied bail.

Leearna Nicole Davis has been charged with accessory after the fact and also denied bail.

Conrad Peter Lardner, 38, has been charged with murdering David Vale in Kempsey earlier this year. Picture: Facebook

Relief now charges have been laid

Lakeesha said there was a feeling of relief in the community now charges have been laid.

Her mother Tomina Cochrane, who remained close to Mr Vale and his family after a separation, echoed the sentiment. She recalled visiting David’s elderly father Harry on Thursday, just after the court appearances of the co-accused.

“His side of the family have always made me feel comfortable – they are very loving people,” she said.

“I sat with Harry yesterday and just held his hand and he was really at ease.

“It was like he could think properly – he has been holding a lot of anger.”

A large and vocal crowd gathered outside Kempsey court on Thursday, including Mr Vale’s partner Jessica Howard.

They celebrated when Davis was denied bail and welcomed media coverage of the case.

“Everyone else can know what’s happened to him … we’re finally getting justice,” she said.

Almost ‘too kind hearted’

Loved ones have spoken repeatedly of Mr Vale’s dedication to family, and not just to his own children – he took on the care of nephews and nieces.

“His kids could stand over him actually – he was probably too kind-hearted,” Lakeesha said.

Ms Howard, who has seven children with David, agreed.

“His kids walked all over him actually,” she said.

Jessica Howard with Lakeesha and her brothers and sisters at the memorial to David in South Kempsey. Picture: Janine Watson

Ms Howard said she was attracted to Mr Vale’s kind heart and good looks.

“He was a calm, kind, fair person – and he was a good looking man, he was very handsome,” she laughed.

As well as his family, Mr Vale loved boxing and going to the beach.

“He also loved mechanical stuff and one of my best memories was when he taught me to drive,” Lakeesha said.

The 17-year-old recently got her Ps and has bought her own car.

“It will give her a bit of freedom – she really has accomplished a lot,” her mother Tomina said.

She spoke of the special bond Lakeesha and her father shared.

“They had a very close bond and he would call her every day,” she said.

“She has kept all the phone recordings of when he would call and leave a message – she’s got all of them to treasure.”