Appeal set up for Ekampreet Singh Sahni’s family after the 18-year-old was fatally shot at Bar Beach

Serious concerns of gun violence and community safety have been raised following the tragic fatal shooting of a teenager in the carpark of a popular Newcastle beach.

Police at the crime scene in Bar Beach car park. Picture: NewsWire / John Appleyard

A family friend of the teenager fatally shot in the carpark of a popular Newcastle beach says his tragic death has raised serious concerns of gun violence in the community, a city now tainted with this “shocking” tragedy.

“We’re just concerned a beautiful city can be marred by such a tragedy of a young innocent life being lost in such a tragic way and it makes everyone feel unsafe,” Amar Singh said.

“So many people from the Indian community, but also Newcastle locals, broader society, who are concerned about the gun violence.”

Ekampreet Singh Sahni, 18, was shot at a Bar Beach car park on April 23.

Police allege Decklen Deaves-Thornton, 22, poked Mr Sahni twice in the chest with the gun before he pulled the trigger, and now faces a charge of murder. He is yet to enter a plea.

Ekampreet Singh Sahni, who was fatally shot at Bar Beach on April 23, was known as an “intelligent” and “hardworking” man. Credit: Go Fund Me

The 18-year-old was a car lover. Picture: Supplied

Police allege Deaves-Thornton was one of three people in a stolen Volvo SUV, which entered the carpark about 11:20pm that night, as Strike Force Bolwarra detectives continue to investigate.

“(We’re) concerned about the other two people that are missing and we hope they are found soon,” Mr Singh said.

Ekampreet Sahni, 18, was shot dead on April 23. A man has been charged with his murder. Picture: Supplied

“There’s a lot of unanswered questions but at the moment the family are trying to find peace in this tragedy and to get on with the rituals for the funeral.”

Mr Sahni, who was known for his love of cars especially his beloved Commodore, and was studying to be a mechanic, was described as a “hardworking” and “very intelligent boy”.

The 18-year-old’s father Amrinder Singh Sahni said the family moved to Newcastle in early 2024.

They now can’t come to terms with how something so devastating has happened.

“I can’t imagine in this country this type of thing has happened,” he said.

“I drive a taxi 14 hours a day, sometimes I drive at night and I have never seen anything like this happening.”

Family from India and across Australia, including Canberra, Melbourne and Perth, have made their way to Newcastle to mourn the teen’s death and prepare for the painstaking task of organising his funeral.

“They have hit rock bottom,” Mr Singh said.

“[His parents] will never get to be the parent at his wedding and enjoy the good things in life and see their grandkids.

“Ekam’s younger brother, you can see the loss on his face, he doesn’t comprehend what is going on.
“The family needs so much support, we’re trying to find culturally appropriate counselling and right now they are at a loss of why it happened to them. Nobody goes anywhere to die, it’s shocking.”

Detectives allege Mr Sahni had spoken to two women, who were parked at the Bar Beach carpark, before he became involved in a physical altercation with a friend of the women.

According to police, it’s believed the fight ended and all parties had become amicable but police allege Deaves-Thornton, who did not know any of the parties, then arrived.

They allege that Deaves-Thornton poked Mr Sahni with the rifle after hearing unfounded allegations about him before shooting him after the alleged victim said something.

The Volvo was driven off before allegedly being burnt out almost 15km away in Tingira Heights.

A Go Fund Me page has now been set up to ensure the 18-year-old’s parents and family have all the support they need as they navigate a tragic loss.

As of Tuesday afternoon, it had raised close to $50,000.

“This loss was unexpected and any support big or small would mean the world to the family during this difficult time,” Mr Singh said.

“We really want to thank the wider Newcastle for their love and support, they have really stood by the family and we really appreciate that.”

The grieving family are planning to also hold a vigil in about a month’s time to celebrate Mr Singh’s life.

“A family has lost their most valuable asset they have in their life,” Mr Singh said.