Man charged with murder after Bar Beach shooting of Ekampreet Sahni

A man has been charged with murder after the fatal shooting of a teenager at a Newcastle beach this week.

A 22-year-old man has been charged with murder after the fatal shooting of a teenager at a Newcastle beach this week.

Ekampreet Singh Sahni, 18, died from a gunshot wound to the torso at Bar Beach late on Wednesday night, sparking a police manhunt.

Police were told an altercation broke out before a man got out of a white SUV and fired in the direction of Mr Sahni.

The white car was later found burnt out in the suburb of Tingira Heights, about 13km away from the beach.

Ekampreet Sahni, 18, was shot dead at Bar Beach, Newcastle, Picture: Supplied

He was attending a car enthusiasts meet up. Picture: Supplied

A man handed himself in to police on Friday morning in Newcastle. He was charged on Friday afternoon. He has been refused bail and will appear before Parramatta local court on Saturday.

It is understood Mr Sahni had been at a meet up for car enthusiasts at the picturesque beach when he was shot about 11.40pm on Wednesday night.

Newcastle City Police District Commander, Acting Superintendent Benson said on Thursday it was not thought the “senseless” crime was linked to the altercation involving Mr Sahni.

“We don’t believe the fight was organised and we don’t believe that this incident (the shooting) is related to the fight in the carpark,” he said.

A man has been charged with the teen’s murder. Picture: Facebook

Detectives examine a car inside the crime scene at Bar Beach. Picture: NewsWire / John Appleyard

Acting Superintendent Steven Benson and Police Minister Yasmin Catley. Picture: NewsWire / John Appleyard

Police Minister Yasmin Catley, the Member for Swansea in the Hunter area, promised police would “throw every resource” at the investigation.

“This sort of violence is not what we ever want to see on our streets … we’re not used to seeing it on our streets,” she said.

Family and friends have mourned Mr Sahni

“It’s not just a tragic loss for the parents … but it’s a big loss for the entire community,” family friend Iqbal Singh told the ABC.

“He was such a nice kid … he’s a good bloke, very hard working.”

Strike Force Bolwarra has been established to investigate the incident.