Arrest over "bungled" hit on NSW father

Michael Martin survived one alleged hit on his life but the second time round, he wouldn't be so lucky.

The 46-year-old was allegedly murdered in a brutal attack, thought to involve an axe, in his modest flat in northern NSW last June.

He was killed on the night he arrived home after spending a lengthy stint in hospital recovering from the alleged bungled hit on his life in April, 2014.

Police allege Jessica Honey Fallon and two others broke into Mr Martin's South Murwillumbah home and stabbed him and assaulted his friend who was staying the night.

Detectives will allege Fallon, 21, and her accomplices, who haven't been arrested, were paid to kill Mr Martin.

Fallon, from northern NSW, was charged with attempted murder and assault occasioning grievous bodily harm on Tuesday.

Police have ruled out her involvement in Mr Martin's murder in a separate home invasion last June and have yet to make any arrest in the case.

On that occasion, Mr Martin was brutally assaulted and killed while his 25-year-old son, who was tied up, watched on helplessly.

An axe was found at the scene, a source confirmed.

Homicide and Tweed Heads detectives are still trying to piece together why there was a target on Mr Martin's head and are looking at any links between the April and June attacks.

Detectives say the 46-year-old had a "colourful past".

Locals knew Mr Martin as "Mullet Mick", a jovial character who frequented Murwillumbah's pubs.

Fallon didn't appear in Parramatta Local Court on Tuesday and the case was adjourned until later in the week.

Homicide Squad Detective Inspector Grant Taylor said police were still keen for information about the other two people involved in the alleged home invasion in April, and any links the accused had with Mr Martin.