David King murder: Strike Force Breve detectives seize car, raid home in Salt Ash murder probe
Detectives investigating the murder of David King (pictured) believe up to four people were at the scene at the time of his shooting death.
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Detectives investigating the daytime shotgun murder of drug dealer David King have seized a car and raided a home as they narrow their focus on those suspected of knowing who is responsible for the horrific attack.
The car seizure near Cessnock comes after forensic experts spent the past six weeks combing over Mr King’s car using new and highly-sensitive procedures to gather every speck of evidence from the Ford Ranger utility in which he was shot.
The Newcastle News can reveal that detectives are investigating whether up to four people were at the scene of the Sunday afternoon slaying on the semirural Hideaway Drive at Salt Ash on August 29.
They are also investigating whether more than just Mr King and the shooter were inside the Tanilba Bay man’s Ford Ranger utility when the 45-year-old was shot in the face with a shotgun at close range.
Detectives continue to look at whether the death was a drug deal gone wrong or whether the shooting was planned.
The fact the shooter was in possession of the shotgun has investigators convinced there was at least a plan to rob Mr King.
The gunman was inside the utility when he fired the shot which ultimately killed Mr King, who drove over a letterbox, performed a U-turn and crashed into a tree before falling from his vehicle.
A rented Santa Fe, found dumped and torched about 15km away near Heatherbrae, is believed to have been connected to the murder.
Strike Force Breve detectives have continued to painstakingly investigate the murder before a car was pulled over and seized on Tuesday afternoon near Cessnock.
A search warrant was also conducted on Wednesday on a home in Raymond Terrace, although no arrests have been made.
“About 1.30pm on Wednesday, detectives from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District executed a search warrant at a home in Raymond Terrace in relation to Strike Force Breve – the ongoing investigation into the shooting death of David King in Salt Ash,’’ police said in a statement.
“ During the warrant, officers seized a number of items.
“The day before, officers also seized a white Holden Commodore on Maitland Road, Cessnock, as part of ongoing inquiries; the vehicle was towed and will undergo forensic examination.’’
Senior police said at the time of the murder that they suspected the killing was targeted, and investigations have only strengthened that theory.
It comes as forensic experts have used new technology to painstakingly go over the Ford Ranger looking for any evidence linking suspects to the murder.
It includes taking out airbags and collecting the smallest specks of blood and body matter to test for DNA using new and highly-sensitive equipment.
Detectives have also combed through hours of CCTV taken from businesses around the murder scene as well as dashcam footage handed in by members of the public.
Police renewed their plea for anyone with information on Mr King’s murder to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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