Man allegedly murdered stranger in 'random attack' on NSW fire track
Updated . First published
A man has faced court for the first time more than a year after allegedly fatally attacking an older stranger following an altercation on a rural property.
The stranger was allegedly found a fire trail on the NSW South Coast on the evening of December 9, 2024.
Paramedics treated the 60-year-old man for serious head injuries but he died at the scene in North Nowra.
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James Balfour was charged with murder after a 60-year-old man's body was found on a fire trail. NSW Police
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He has been identified as local father Matthew O'Brien, the ABC reported.
Police allege he was fatally injured by another local James Balfour, a stranger half his age, after the men got into a disagreement on the fire track.
"It was a random attack ... but it was as a result of an altercation that took place," Detective Inspector Catherine Flood told reporters today.
"There was no weapon used."
Balfour was arrested at his home yesterday and charged with the 60-year-old's murder and a raft of unrelated matters, including drug supply.
The 29-year-old wore a stained yellow T-shirt and grey shorts as he beamed into bail court today from a police custody cell.
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He did not apply to be released and is likely to remain behind bars on remand until his matters return to court in February.
Balfour's alleged motivation is still being probed by NSW Police as investigations continue.
Investigators have not yet ruled out the possibility another person was involved in the alleged murder.
Past appeals to the community for information have proven fruitful but police believe more assistance can be provided.
"Somebody knows something about this matter and we appeal to them to come forward," Flood said.
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