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Woman shot dead in front of daughter, estranged husband charged with murder

A woman has been shot dead on her doorstep in front of her shocked daughter, with the victim’s estranged husband now charged with the alleged murder.

Police confronted 60-year-old Keith Goodbun at gunpoint out the front of the Maitland home in NSW’s Hunter Valley on Friday morning.

Keith Goodbun was confronted at gunpoint by police after a woman was shot dead in Maitland in front of her daughter. Photo: 7 News.

It's understood he was carrying a rifle when officers arrived.

It’s alleged Goodbun fired three shots at estranged wife Molly, who had taken out a restraining order out against him in July this year.

The 60-year-old arrested at the scene. Source: 7News

“I was only talking to her on Wednesday. (She’s) a lovely person, I’m so sorry,” neighbour Charmaine King said.

Ms King said the Goodbun’s have two adult daughters, with one of those inside the home at the time of the alleged murder.

Neighbours heard the gunshots around 3.20am on Friday and called police.

Neighbours heard gunshots and called police about 3.20am Friday. Photo: 7 News.

Police at the Maitland scene. Source: 7News

Goodbun allegedly tried to drive away from the home in his four-wheel-drive before officers arrived and found Molly’s body at the front door.

“They arrived at obviously what was a very dangerous situation with an offender armed with a rifle,” Supt Craig Jackson said.

“He was then challenged by police and arrested at gunpoint.”

Police at the scene. Source: 7News

Police have confirmed Molly took out a restraining order against her estranged husband after “an incident” earlier this year.

Friends of the former couple say Goodbun lost his job as a truck driver recently, which then left him with mental health issues.

Police say the former couple’s daughter was taken from the scene in a “distressed state”.

“(The daughters) are dealing with that as best they can. This is the only description we can apply to this. It’s a tragedy,” Supt Jackson said.

Goodbun was taken to Maitland Police Station and charged with murder and a number of associated charges including contravening an AVO, possessing an unregistered firearm and assault.

He appeared in court on Friday and did not apply for bail.

The 60-year-old will now remain behind bars until his next appearance later this month.