Police arrested the 66-year-old man at a motel in Coffs Harbour yesterday over Duncan Campbell’s alleged murder.
Campbell was last seen on February 4 in Albany Street on Coffs Harbour, and was reported missing on February 9.
The 58-year-old’s body was found about 3.30pm on February 12 in bushland on John Champion Way near his campsite at City Hill.
While his death was initially believed to be not suspicious, further examination revealed he had been murdered.
Detectives addressed the media on Tuesday, making a public appeal for information and announcing a $500,000 reward for any details that lead to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the murder.
“The 12-month investigation saw a $500,000 reward announced on Tuesday and since that time we’re pleased to say we did receive information but we also added to a very strong circumstantial case,” Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty said.
“We were able to obtain direct evidence with covert strategies and techniques which we will allege identified the person responsible for Duncan’s murder and that is the 66-year-old man facing court today.”
A 66-year-old man was arrested at a motel in Coffs Harbour about 2.50pm yesterday.
He was known to police.
Police will allege in court the man bludgeoned Duncan to death with a steel pole between February 4 and February 5.
“Duncan was assaulted and struck with a metal pole/bar to the head,” Doherty said.
“The cause of death was blood-forced trauma to the head and that direct evidence was crucial.
“We will allege it was solely responsible for Duncan’s murder and this person disposed of the bar in the Coffs Harbour area.”
Police confirmed that they did not recover the weapon and said a search would take place in the coming weeks in the area.
Doherty said the 66-year-old didn’t appear happy when he was arrested and confirmed he was also a rough sleeper.
The pair were known to each other.
“I think he thought he had gotten away with Duncan’s murder. Unfortunately his day changed,” he said.
“The man was also sleeping rough, living in a van.”
He was refused bail to appear in Coffs Harbour Local Court today.