Friends and family of a young man who was shot dead on Wednesday night have attended a vigil for him in Newcastle. The man charged with his murder says he did not mean to kill or injure the 18-year-old. He has been formally refused bail. The victim’s family, mourning their child, are calling for justice.
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00:00A community overcome with grief.
00:09Rallying around the heartbroken parents of Ekampreet Sani Singh, right by the spot he
00:15was killed just days ago.
00:17We need the justice.
00:19A few hundred people gathered at Bar Beach to pay their respects to the 18-year-old who
00:23was shot dead on Wednesday night.
00:25This is a tragedy for our regional town but also our youth.
00:30No life should be taken at such a tender age.
00:33Witnesses have told police there was a brawl in the Bar Beach car park before a white SUV
00:39pulled up.
00:40They say a gunman then got out and fired a rifle.
00:43Yesterday, 22-year-old Declan Deves Thornton handed himself into police.
00:48He's since been charged with murder.
00:50Declan Deves Thornton faced Parramatta Bail Court via video link here in Newcastle this
00:55morning.
00:56He didn't apply for bail and it was formally refused.
00:59His lawyer has issued a statement on his behalf.
01:01Although he admits his participation in the event that has led to the death of Mr Sani,
01:07Mr Deves Thornton is adamant he did not intend to kill or seriously injure Mr Sani with the
01:13firearm.
01:14Declan is extremely remorseful and mindful of the public outcry in this tragic matter.
01:21Mr Sani's death has touched many here.
01:23I feel for the Australian Indian community.
01:26I think, yeah, I just, I'm so sad for the mum and the dad.
01:31The loss is unbearable to think about.
01:33There will be an empty seat every year, every festival and look at the mother.
01:38She's suffering.
01:39Declan Deves Thornton will face court again in June.
01:43The Beatles
01:45The Beatles
01:46The Beatles
01:47The Beatles