Man admits Bar Beach killing but claims shooting was accidental
Decklen Deaves-Thornton pleaded guilty to manslaughter. He claims the shooting of Ekampreet Singh Sahni was accidental.
Decklen Deaves-Thornton, 23, admitted to killing 18-year-old Ekampreet Singh Sahni in a Newcastle car park last year. He says the shooting was accidental.
He pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter by unlawful and dangerous act. The killing happened in the Bar Beach car park on Memorial Drive on April 23, 2025, around 11.40pm.
It happened during a confrontation. Deaves-Thornton intends to argue the teenager was shot by accident.
He also pleaded guilty to burning a stolen Volvo he used to flee the scene. Prosecutors rejected the manslaughter plea.
So Deaves-Thornton will face a murder trial in NSW Supreme Court, likely in 2027. The alleged getaway driver, Jack Kennedy, 26, is still negotiating his pleas.
- 18 years old
- Victim's age
- April 23, 2025, around 11.40pm
- Shooting date
- 30-30 calibre rifle
- Firearm type
Why it mattersThe case hinges on whether the shooting was intentional or accidental. This distinction determines whether Deaves-Thornton faces murder or manslaughter conviction.
AustraliaThis Newcastle case will be decided in NSW Supreme Court in 2027 and affects the local community where the teenager was killed.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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