Family 'relieved' man charged over murder of young surfer at Coffs Harbour beach

The family of a young surfer allegedly killed on a beach on the NSW North Coast last month are relieved to learn a man has now been charged with murder.

Kye Schaefer, 21, had been putting his wetsuit on at the carpark near Ocean Parade in Coffs Harbour about 6.40am on May 2 when he was allegedly stabbed.

He later died in hospital from his chest and neck wounds.

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Police today arrested a 36-year-old man at a Coffs Harbour correctional facility and transferred him to the local police station, where he was charged with murder.

Detective Superintendent Daniel Doherty said circumstantial and forensic evidence had linked the accused man to the alleged murder.

"He's been in was in custody since May 2. We believe there is now sufficient evidence to charge this man," he said at a press conference today.

Doherty said the 36-year-old was sleeping rough at the time and was known to police due to his alleged history of petty offences.

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Any motive is still, however, unknown and under investigation.

The community is urged to come forward with any information that may assist police.

"It's nice to provide answers to the family, they're still grieving," Doherty said.

"Whilst they're relieved someone now has been charged, there's still a long way to go for the court matter.

"There's mixed emotions for them as well."

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Superintendent Joanne Schultz added the alleged murder had also greatly affected the wider community, who have not felt safe since.

"We put every resource we had available into this investigation," she said.

The 36-year-old man has been refused bail and will front court this afternoon.

Following his death, Schaefer was remembered as a "gentle" person with a "heart of gold" by his loved ones.

Anyone who may have CCTV or dashcam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.