A 53-year-old man has been denied bail after allegedly bursting into his sister’s residence in a tranquil Illawarra neighborhood and opening fire. The court proceedings revealed that Daniel Gene Murray entered the home while intoxicated and armed, following a dispute regarding access to a shed.
Murray was taken into custody at around 6:40 PM on Easter Sunday at his sister’s house on Albert Street in Corrimal. According to New South Wales Police, no injuries were reported as a result of the incident.
He faces five charges, including possession of an unregistered firearm and ammunition without a license, unsafe storage of a firearm, discharging a weapon at a residence, and aggravated breaking and entering. During a bail application presented to Local Court Judge Kathryn Jurd, it was disclosed that Murray had entered his sister and brother-in-law’s home in a heavily intoxicated state after a disagreement about the shed access.
Defense attorney Anthony Stewart informed the court that Murray had recently acquired a million-dollar mortgage for the property adjacent to his sister’s. “Mr. Murray and his family had been tenants of his sister, whom he cares for deeply, prior to purchasing the neighboring property,” Stewart stated. “There was an understanding with the brother-in-law regarding the shed, but it seems he has gone back on that agreement. My client had been drinking and now finds himself in this predicament, which, while not an excuse, serves as an explanation.”
Witnesses reported hearing gunshots, which initially sounded like fireworks to Megan Patterson, a nearby resident. “It was completely dark, so I couldn’t see anything, but I heard screaming and saw people with flashlights running around,” she recounted. “Shortly after, sirens filled the street, and police arrived in large numbers.” Patterson mentioned that some neighbors provided shelter for Murray’s wife and daughter, and one neighbor reportedly took possession of the firearm.
The court also learned that Murray, a father of two with no prior criminal record, has worked at Appin Colliery for over twenty years. His attorney claimed that Murray insisted no one was present when he entered the house, a statement disputed by the prosecution, which cited an independent witness who overheard him shouting, “get out you c***.” Appearing via Audio Visual Link from custody, Murray remained subdued as his lawyer sought bail on the grounds of his health issues.
Stewart noted that Murray has a history of depression, coeliac disease, high blood pressure, and suffered a stroke a decade ago. Judge Jurd, however, rejected the bail request, indicating that there was evidence suggesting he was aware that individuals were inside the home. “Otherwise, the argument regarding the shed lacks rationale,” she remarked.
Murray expressed despair upon realizing that he was likely facing a custodial sentence, uttering, “What have I done?” Judge Jurd emphasized the seriousness of the situation, particularly concerning public safety and the illegal possession of a firearm over the past decade. The case is scheduled to be revisited in Wollongong local court in June.
