Michael Thomas Rae: Man charged with murder of Wesley Johnstone Prentice in Cooks Hill unit

Police investigating the death of Wesley Prentice who was gunned down in a Cooks Hill unit last month, believe they have made a breakthrough after charging a 35-year-old man with his murder.

Police have charged a Lake Macquarie man with the death of 40-year-old Wesley Johnstone Prentice inside a Cooks Hill unit last month.

Michael Thomas Rae, 35, was arrested at a Bonny Hills caravan park on Sunday August 1, following an intensive investigation led by Strike Force Hibbard detectives into the July 22 shooting.

Police allegedly found a loaded shortened 12-gauge barrel shotgun and cash on Mr Rae when they arrested him at the Beach St location.

Paramedics leave the unit block after being unable to save the gunshot victim. The scene at apartments blocks in Darby Street, Newcastle, where a man was fatally shot in the chest. Picture: Peter Lorimer

The Woodrising man appeared in Wauchope Local Court on Monday, before the matter was adjourned to Port Macquarie Local Court on Wednesday.

He is facing one count of murder and three other weapons charges.

Detectives will allege in court that Mr Rae shot Mr Prentice in the chest inside the Cooks Hill public housing unit about 12.45pm on July 22.

Mr Prentice, of Rutherford, had been “couch surfing” in the unit block before he was allegedly shot dead.

A manhunt continued until Mr Rae was arrested at the Bonny Hills caravan park about 5.45pm on Sunday.

Police said Mr Rae‘s arrest was made with the assistance of officers from Newcastle City police district, tactical operations regional support, negotiators and the dog unit.

Police have charged a 35-year-old Lake Macquarie man with murder. Picture: Peter Lorimer

Michael Thomas Rae was arrested in Bonny Hills on Sunday, August 1. Picture by Peter Lorimer

Search warrants were also executed at Bonny Hills and Windale, where police allege a number of items were seized for forensic examination.

Mr Rae was later charged with murder, possess a loaded firearm in a public place, posses a shortened firearm (not pistol) without authority and possess an unregistered firearm in a public place.

He briefly faced Wauchope Local Court on Monday where a non-publication order was granted. This was lifted on Wednesday by Magistrate Georgina Darcy at Port Macquarie Local Court.

Investigations into the shooting are continuing.

Mr Rae will reappear in Newcastle Local Court on September 29.