Update after horror fatal home invasion
A man has been arrested after he was allegedly involved in a home invasion that left one man dead and another almost having his arm severed by an axe.
Police allege the 29-year-old man who was killed, and another man who fled the scene, forced their way into the home of Kingscliff man Allan Kerr, 66, before 8pm on Tuesday on the NSW North Coast.
The Gold Coast Bulletin reported the man who was killed was Trae Laurie, 29, from Tabulam, northern NSW.
Tweed/Byron District crime manager Detective Inspector Matt Zimmerman said when Laurie and another man allegedly confronted Mr
Kerr in his home they struck him multiple times with an axe, almost severing his arm.
Police were told, in self-defence, Mr Kerr armed himself with a knife and struck the deceased in the chest, causing fatal injuries.
“It was during that confrontation that the occupant (Mr Kerr) has suffered some serious injuries and there is evidence of a significant and violent confrontation that took place within the residence,” Detective Inspector Zimmerman said.
“The occupant of that house has then called for assistance and neighbours went to assist him.”
The 66-year-old homeowner was found suffering significant arm injuries.
He was flown to Gold Coast University Hospital where he underwent surgery and remains in a stable condition.
Emergency services found Laurie laying on the front veranda with stab wounds in his chest.
He was wearing a face covering to conceal his identify.
Police attempted to revive him, but he died at the scene.
They found Mr Kerr semiconscious in the hallway.
Police have since arrested 26-year-old man at a Kingscliff home about 5.30pm on Wednesday.
He has been taken to Tweed Heads Police Station where he is assisting investigators with their inquiries.
Police are now looking for a third man who they believe entered the house with the deceased and fled the scene.
They have seized a silver Toyota Corolla that was found nearby.
“As you can appreciate, we only have very limited information last night from the occupant. He provided us with a short version before he was treated by ambulance,” Detective Inspector Zimmerman said.
“We will attempt to speak to him again today. Our detectives will try to ascertain some more information and try and identify any links between him, the deceased and the occupant.
“We will be examining the circumstances surrounding the incident, in particular the conduct of the occupant and if his conduct was necessary and proportionate to the threat that was posed to him.
“The information we have is that the two men who entered the house are unknown to the occupant.
“Part of our investigation today will be to try and establish a link between them and find out how they actually know the occupant.
“We have very limited information on the second male, but a very serious and violent confrontation has taken place.
“We are seeking public assistance to identify the second male. All we know is that he is male between 20 and 40 years of age.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
