Man Charged with Murder Following Woman's Death in Kearsley, Hunter Valley

Murder Charge Laid After Tragic Discovery

A 37-year-old man, Christopher James McLoughney, has been charged with murder following the discovery of a 39-year-old woman's body in Kearsley, New South Wales. Emergency services were called to a home on Ellalong Street in Kearsley, east of Cessnock, at approximately 7:30 PM on Friday, October 31, 2025, after reports of a concern for welfare. Upon arrival, police located the body of Rhukaya Lake, a mother of three, with a suspected gunshot wound.

Hunter Valley Police District Commander, Superintendent Steve Laksa, described the scene as 'horrific and traumatic' for attending officers and family members. The incident is being treated as a domestic violence-related homicide.

Manhunt and Arrest in Bellbird

Following the grim discovery, a manhunt was launched for McLoughney, who police believed could assist with their inquiries. Members of the public were warned not to approach him, as he was considered potentially armed and dangerous. The search concluded on Saturday, November 1, 2025, around 6:45 PM, when McLoughney was arrested at a sporting club car park in Bellbird, NSW.

During the arrest, detectives searched a parked black Hyundai Tucson associated with McLoughney, allegedly locating and seizing a sawn-off shotgun and ammunition. He was subsequently taken to Cessnock Police Station.

Charges and Court Proceedings

Christopher James McLoughney has been charged with multiple offences, including:

• Murder
• Two counts of possessing a prohibited drug
• Possessing an unauthorised prohibited firearm
• Possessing ammunition without holding a licence/permit/authority

Community Impact and Ongoing Investigation

The death of Rhukaya Lake, a mother of three, has deeply affected the local community. Superintendent Laksa noted that 'the community of Cessnock – and the Hunter Valley as a whole – will be affected by the tragic death of this young mother.' It is understood that three children were present at the home during the incident, with one child reportedly running to a neighbour's property for help.

Hunter Valley detectives, assisted by the State Crime Command's Homicide Squad, have established Strike Force Keavall to investigate the circumstances surrounding the woman's death. Police confirmed that McLoughney and the deceased woman had been in a relationship since June.