Ian Pullen death: second person charged with murder of New Zealand firefighter
A woman has become the second person charged with the murder of New Zealand firefighter Ian Pullen as shocking allegations about the dead man’s moments have been revealed.
Newcastle
Don't miss out on the headlines from Newcastle. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Joshua Knight charged over death of New Zealand firefighter pilot
- Tiler slams car into pole while allegedly under influence
A woman has become the second person charged with the murder of New Zealand firefighter Ian Pullen as the horrific allegations about the dead man’s final moments have been publicly aired for the first time.
Hunter Valley police will allege that the 43-year-old lay critically wounded on a Singleton road after being hit by a car before the vehicle returned and two occupants bash him over the head to kill him.
The horrific allegations came after a 30-year-old woman was arrested by Strike Force Awabakil investigators at a Singleton home on Monday and later charged with Mr Pullen’s 2018 murder.
That arrest came five days after Joshua Knight, 29, was arrested at Newcastle police station and charged with murder, dangerous driving occasioning death and failing to stop and assist after vehicle impact causing death.
Mr Pullen, a young father and experienced pilot, had just arrived in Australia to help fight bushfires when his body was found about 5.30am on September 29, 2018.
Hunter Valley crime manager Detective Inspector Matt Zimmer told reporters on Tuesday morning that Knight was allegedly the driver of the white four-wheel drive when it struck Mr Pullen. The charged woman was allegedly a passenger.
“It will be further alleged that that vehicle returned to the scene a short time later after striking Mr Pullen and at that time the male and female exited the car, approached Mr Pullen whilst he was still alive and struck him to the head with an object,” Detective Inspector Matt Zimmer told reporters.
“We have information from witnesses as well as expert medical evidence to support this scenario.
“I can also advise that there is no evidence to suggest that there was any interaction between the parties prior to Mr Pullen being struck by the vehicle.”
Detective Inspector Zimmer later added: “For these individuals to return to the scene and engage in the conduct of what is alleged, in my view that is the lowest end of the scale of human behaviour”.
The woman was taken into custody after detectives attended a Dominion Avenue home in Singleton on Monday morning.
She was taken to hospital for a pre-existing injury before being charged and is due to face Muswellbrook Local Court on Tuesday.
Detectives are expected to face a media conference on Tuesday morning.