James Terence Hunt and Paul Douglas May, the two men accused of the murder of a Greenbushes man, allegedly hatched a plan to burgle his property while on a methamphetamine bender, a court has heard.
Meth-Fuelled Plot Unfolds
The pair appeared in Bunbury Magistrates Court on Monday, where prosecutors detailed the events leading up to the alleged murder. It is alleged that Hunt and May, both 37, consumed methamphetamine over several days before deciding to break into the victim's home in Greenbushes, a small town in Western Australia's South West region.
The court was told that the two men drove to the victim's property on the night of the incident, armed with a firearm. The victim, a 51-year-old man, was shot and killed during the alleged burglary.
Details of the Alleged Crime
Prosecutor Emily Blizzard told the court that the accused had been on a "significant methamphetamine bender" in the days leading up to the alleged murder. She said the pair had discussed committing a burglary to obtain money for more drugs.
"They hatched a plan to go to the victim's house to steal items," Ms. Blizzard said. "They drove there together, and both were present when the victim was shot."
The court heard that the victim was shot once in the chest and died at the scene. The accused then allegedly fled the property, taking stolen goods with them.
Arrest and Charges
Hunt and May were arrested a short time later after police tracked them down. They have been charged with murder, aggravated burglary, and stealing. Both men did not apply for bail and were remanded in custody.
Magistrate Anne Longden ordered them to reappear in court on December 12. The case has shocked the tight-knit community of Greenbushes, which has a population of just over 300 people.
The victim's family has been informed of the developments and are being supported by police. A post-mortem examination is scheduled to determine the exact cause of death.
Police have urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward. The investigation is ongoing.
