Shepparton man claims he was on toilet when homemade gun killed pregnant Kiara Ferguson

A Shepparton man charged with a firearm offence after a homemade gun killed his partner could face a more serious charge.

Kiara Ferguson died at her Shepparton home after a homemade gun discharged and shot her in the face. Picture: Supplied

This story contains the image of an Indigenous Australian who has died. Her family has given permission to use her name and photo.

A Shepparton man charged with a firearm offence after his homemade gun discharged and “accidentally” killed his pregnant partner could face a more serious offence.

Kiara Ferguson, 27, died when a bullet from a firearm, which belonged to her boyfriend Adam Winmar, struck her in the face on April 1 this year.

This month, Mr Winmar faced a summary jurisdiction application in the Koori Court section of Shepparton Magistrates’ Court after he was charged with an offence relating to possessing a firearm.

The court heard Mr Winmar made the pipe gun months ago and stored it inside a kitchen drawer at the couple’s McCubbin Drive home.

Ms Ferguson was a loving mother of two daughters. Picture: Supplied

The prosecution said Mr Winmar told investigators at the time that Ms Ferguson found the gun and approached him while he was on the toilet.

He claimed the mother of two, who was expecting her third child, threw the gun towards him and said “what have I told you about this?”.

The weapon then hit the ground and “accidentally” discharged, fatally shooting Ms Ferguson in the face.

Mr Winmar will return to court in February where the magistrate will rule on the summary jurisdiction application.

But the Herald Sun can reveal the Homicide Squad’s investigation into Ms Ferguson’s death remains ongoing.

This means Mr Winmar could be charged with a more serious offence.

Ms Ferguson’s sister, Julie Ferguson, told the Herald Sun the couple’s on-again, off-again 10 year relationship was “tumultuous”.

It’s understood Mr Winmar had a “fascination” with weapons and would make guns to sell them to the Goulburn Valley community.

A homemade gun posted to Adam Winmar's TikTok. It's unclear whether this was the firearm that killed Ms Ferguson. Picture: Supplied

Julie said her life had completely changed since her sister’s death.

“I cry most days for Kiara and miss her terribly,’ she said.

“I am so sad that she isn’t here to enjoy life with her girls and the rest of her family.”

Julie said she felt a sense of rage and panic whenever she saw Mr Winmar’s face.

“The feelings of unjust (sic) and hurt for my baby sister consumes me,” she said.

“Kiara’s suffering leading up to her death is very difficult, thinking there was something I could have, should have done.

“Kiara was loved and adored by her family. I know she was a meal ticket for the accused but she was much more to all who loved her.”

Julie said her sister’s death was completely avoidable.

“I am worried that the accused has made other weapons,” she said.

“It was unlawful that he had a gun, her death could have been avoided if he didn’t have it.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.