Police have charged a 29-year-old man with murder after an alleged random attack on a south coast property more than a year ago.
Matthew O’Brien was found unconscious with head injuries on a fire trail at a rural property in North Nowra in December 2024.
The 60-year-old was later declared dead at the scene by paramedics.
Detective Inspector Catherine Flood says more than one person is believed to be involved. (ABC Illawarra: Romy Gilbert)
South Coast Police District crime manager Detective Inspector Catherine Flood said Mr O’Brien was visiting a friend when he was “randomly” attacked following an altercation with a man not known to him.
“It was random, but it was a result of an altercation that took place and that altercation is still being investigated,”
she said.
Detective Inspector Flood said police were “not ruling out” the likelihood of other people being involved.
“Somebody knows something about this matter, and we appeal to them to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers,” she said.
Police have launched a fresh search with drones and on foot in the area where the man’s body was found. (Supplied: NSW Police)
Police have previously said in a statement that they were searching for a woman seen leaving the area in a car who they believe could assist with inquiries.
Detective Inspector Flood said the friend and owner of the property where the man was attacked was not being treated as a suspect.
“He has assisted in the investigation and we maintain contact with him.”
Crime detectives and officers from the Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit returned to the scene earlier this month with drones after receiving fresh information regarding the man’s death.
Detective Inspector Flood said nothing was found during the search, which led to the arrest.