Dean Vimpani arrested over alleged murder of Sanctuary Point grandfather David ‘Macca’ McArthur

Police say they are looking for more suspects in the killing of self-confessed “battler” David McArthur after two men have been arrested over his caravan park death.

Police have arrested a second man over the stabbing death of David ‘Macca’ McArthur but continue to seek out close in on other suspects in connection with believed to be involved in the alleged Sanctuary Point murder.

Police arrested Dean Vimpani and charged him with murder after police swooped on his Oliver Parade home in Nowra at 7.30am on Friday morning.

It was there, detectives also seized a vehicle and clothing which are believed to be linked to the murder, but will undergo further testing.

David McArthur was found dead at a Sanctuary Point caravan park in July. Picture: Facebook

Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Walpole said police would allege the seized vehicle was “used to covey the people charged to the murder scene”.

The 41-year-old appeared in Nowra Local Court from the police cells late on Friday, crying as he said curled in a blanket.

He was silent as Magistrate Lisa Viney read through court documents.

In applying for Mr Vimpani’s release, duty solicitor Brett Ford conceded it was a strong prosecution case in terms of “placing him (Mr Vimpani) at the scene”, but said what police allege his client did at the scene was “circumstantial”.

Mr Ford said Mr Vimpani was willing to report to police daily, agree to house arrest conditions and forfeit a large sum of money in order to be released.

“With lengthy delays in Supreme Court you would suspect it to be a very long time away from being finalised,” Mr Ford said.

“He lives with his mother who has emphysema and has full time care of a child.”

Friends have remembered David Mcarthur as a ‘great mate’. Picture: Facebook

Prosecutor Sergeant Anna Comer opposed bail, saying there was “absolutely no alternative to a custodial sentence” if the accused was found guilty of the “serious offence”.

Magistrate Viney denied Vimpani’s release.

“Any time on remand would not outlaw any sentence that would be imposed,” she said.

He will reappear in court in December.

It follows the charges levelled against 39-year-old Raymond Allen, who was arrested in Silverwater jail and faced court charged with the murder of Mr McArthur. While he did not apply for bail, it was formally refused in Nowra Local Court.

Det Chief Insp Wayne Walpole said investigations on the south coast have been ongoing since the alleged murder on July 25, and more people were expected to be arrested.

Mr Macarthur was allegedly stabbed to death at his cabin in the Palm Beach caravan park in Sanctuary Point on July 25.

“We believe at least one, if not two, there could be others (involved),” Det Chief Insp Walpole said.

“We are confident we will make more arrests.”

While a murder weapon has not been recovered, Det Chief Insp Walpole said the arrests were a result of information provided by the community and by “professional police work”.

Stuart McArthur said his son will be greatly missed. Picture: NSW Police

He said Mr McArthur’s parents had been spoken to by detectives following the arrests, and were “grateful for the progress of the investigation so far”.

“It’s always a concern when someone is stabbed to death at their own residence,” Det Chief Insp Walpole said.

“The motives or reasons behind it will come out later in court.”

Last week, homicide detectives conducted a co-ordinated search of waters around the Sanctuary Point boat ramp after Mr McArthur’s father Stuart spoke publicly for the first time about his son’s death.

Online, Mr McArthur, a former Shoalhaven High School student, described himself as a “battler”, whose motto was “work hard, keep fit and love having a good time with friends and family”.

His friend Luke Ross said he was affectionately known as “Macca” and “Popeye” to his close friends.

“He was great mate. I have some great memories that will stay with me forever,” Mr Ross said.

“He was always fun to be around, and always good to chat to about anything.”

David McArthur was remembered by friends for his friendly nature. Picture: Facebook

Friend Alison Palmer said he was the kind of person that made everyone in the park feel safe.

“He was a person that was trying to get his life back on track,” she said.

“David was a very protective person and so was he’s beautiful dog Katie.

“The day I moved here he said to me and my daughter that if we had any dramas to come get him.

“We felt safe with him and his dog around. He was a very gentle caring man who would do anything for anyone.

“He was also very polite he would always say hello and ask how we were.

Another friend, Stevie Bewert, described Mr McArthur as a “great man”.

Mr McArthur’s father, Stuart, said his son was sadly missed by his sisters, daughter, son, his 15-month-old grandson as well as his “beloved dog Katie” who was always by his side.