A man has been charged with the alleged murder of a Coffs Harbour surfer last month.
Kye Schaefer, 22, was found with “significant” stab wounds to his chest and neck in the carpark of a Coffs Harbour beach about 6.40am on May 2.
He was taken to hospital in a critical condition and died a short time later.
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Police and other emergency services, including SES personnel, scoured the beach for evidence at the time, and Strike Force Kooringaroo was established to investigate the death.
“Following extensive inquiries, strike force detectives arrested a 36-year-old man at a Coffs Harbour correctional facility today,” NSW Police said.
The man was taken to Coffs Harbour Police Station, where he was charged with murder.
The man has been refused bail to appear before Coffs Harbour Local Court on Tuesday.
Police confirmed early in the investigation that one of their lines of inquiry included whether Schaefer came across someone breaking into his car, and if there was any relation with a confrontation at another beachside area on the morning of May 2.
“We believe he had recently come out of the surf and was wearing a black wetsuit,” Detective Chief Inspector Guy Flaherty said.
Flaherty said Schaefer was found at the side of his orange Ford sedan.
A GoFundMe page organised to help Schaefer’s family described the surfer as someone who “lived life to the fullest”.
“A big heart with a big smile,” the organiser said.
“Kye will be profoundly missed by his family, friends and members of the community.”
