Man pleads not guilty to murdering teen at Bar Beach
Jack Kennedy, 26, denied murdering teenager Ekampreet Singh Sahni at Bar Beach.
Jack Kennedy appeared in Newcastle Local Court via audio-visual link from jail. Kennedy pleaded not guilty to murdering Ekampreet Singh Sahni in a car park at Bar Beach.
Kennedy also denied firearm, arson and driving charges. The shooting happened on Memorial Drive in the car park on April 23, 2025.
Kennedy will face trial in NSW Supreme Court. He will be tried alongside the alleged gunman, 23-year-old Decklen Deaves-Thornton from Windale.
Deaves-Thornton earlier pleaded guilty to manslaughter by unlawful and dangerous act. He claimed he shot Ekampreet by accident during a confrontation.
Prosecutors rejected that plea and are pursuing murder charges against him as well. Deaves-Thornton will likely face trial in Newcastle in 2027.
Ekampreet's family have attended every court mention.
- 18 years old
- Victim's age
- April 23, 2025
- Shooting date
- Jack Kennedy, 26
- Accused driver
- Decklen Deaves-Thornton, 23
- Accused gunman
Why it mattersA major murder trial is moving forward; prosecutors are rejecting the accused gunman's manslaughter claim and pressing for the higher charge.
AustraliaSignificant NSW crime case being heard in Newcastle courts; outcome will affect both men's sentencing and set precedent in local justice system.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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