Man Charged with Murder After Campground Death in NSW

A 26-year-old man has been charged with murder following the death of a 33-year-old man at a campground in northern New South Wales. The incident, which allegedly involved an axe, occurred late Sunday evening or early Monday morning after an argument between the two men.

A 25-year-old woman, who was also present, drove the injured man from the remote campground to seek assistance before his death and reported being assaulted.

Incident Details

The incident reportedly took place at a campground located near Little Styx River, off Point Lookout Road in Ebor, approximately 80 kilometers east of Armidale. Authorities were alerted shortly after midnight on Monday, March 4, when emergency services responded to a call in Thora, approximately 10 kilometers north-west of Bellingen. A 33-year-old man was found deceased with critical head injuries.

According to police, an argument allegedly escalated between the 33-year-old victim and 26-year-old Ahwen Kohn around 10:30 PM on Sunday.

During the altercation, Mr. Kohn allegedly struck the 33-year-old man in the head with an axe.

A 25-year-old woman, identified as a friend of the victim, informed police that she drove the injured man from the remote campground to Thora. She also reported that she had been assaulted and received treatment for bruising to her neck.

Police Superintendent Chris McKinnon stated that the three individuals involved — the victim, the female friend, and the accused — were known to each other and had been camping together. Both the victim and the accused reportedly resided in the Thora area.

Investigation and Arrest

Police established a crime scene at the campground, with detectives from the homicide squad assisting under Strike Force Ullmark.

Ahwen Kohn, 26, was arrested near Ebor on Waterfall Way before midday on Monday. He was subsequently transported to Armidale Police Station. During his arrest, Mr. Kohn was reportedly found with a knife in his waistband.

Court Proceedings

Mr. Kohn was charged with murder, intentionally choking a person with recklessness, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He appeared in court via video link.

During a bail hearing on Tuesday afternoon, police prosecutor Sergeant Mark Sinclair asserted the strength of the case against Mr. Kohn, citing substantial forensic evidence. The court was informed that three individuals reportedly witnessed Mr. Kohn's actions.

One witness allegedly woke to find Mr. Kohn striking the victim and reportedly attempted to contact emergency services, at which point Mr. Kohn allegedly attempted to assault her. Additionally, the witness was reportedly convinced by Mr. Kohn to assist in loading the body into a car, and Mr. Kohn later asked another witness for a ride, suggesting an intent to avoid police detection.

Magistrate Miranda Moody formally refused bail, citing the seriousness of the allegations, particularly the use of an axe, despite Mr. Kohn having no prior history of violence.

Mr. Kohn is scheduled to appear in court in Armidale on April 22.