newy.com.au – Homicide Squad detectives have released CCTV of a man they want to identify as they continue investigating the fatal stabbing of Jake Roarty at Argenton earlier this year.
Emergency services were called to Montgomery Street shortly after 4am on Sunday, April 19, following reports of an assault at a townhouse. Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District found the 38-year-old had been stabbed.
NSW Ambulance paramedics treated Mr Roarty at the scene, but he died before he could be taken to hospital. Local police established a crime scene before the investigation was taken over by State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad under Strike Force Blave.
Police believe Mr Roarty was killed during a targeted home invasion. Earlier information indicated a group of masked people dressed in dark clothing forced entry to the property, with the attack described as quick. Police have said Mr Roarty was moved to the front of the property, where paramedics were unable to save him.
As part of their ongoing inquiries, detectives have released CCTV of a man they believe may be able to assist the investigation. Police have not accused the man of any offence.
The man is described as being of Caucasian appearance, believed to be aged in his early 20s, with a thin build and blond hair. He was last seen at a service station in Mayfield wearing a black jacket, black pants with a white graphic, a black cap and black shoes.
The CCTV was reportedly recorded at the Mayfield service station several hours before the killing, about 13 kilometres from Argenton, and shows a young man getting out of the rear of a small silver hatchback and unsuccessfully attempting to refuel it.
Detectives are urging anyone with information about the incident, or anyone with mobile phone or dashcam vision that may assist investigators, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is managed confidentially.
