On May 2, 2023, 21-year-old surfer Kye Schaefer was found with severe stab wounds in a car park near Park Beach in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales. He was preparing to enter the water when the incident occurred. Schaefer was taken to Coffs Harbour Base Hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
More than a month later, on June 4, 2023, police arrested 36-year-old Matthew Willacy, who was already in custody for an unrelated robbery, and charged him with Schaefer’s murder. The arrest followed a detailed investigation involving witness statements, CCTV footage, and forensic evidence. Police are still searching for the knife used in the attack and a bicycle believed to be involved.
Willacy, who was homeless at the time of the incident, was said to have committed a random and unprovoked attack, possibly a robbery gone wrong. Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty emphasized the violence and senselessness of the act. Willacy was refused bail and is scheduled to reappear in Coffs Harbour Local Court on August 13, 2023.
Schaefer's death has deeply affected his family and the local community. His parents, Pam and Tony Schaefer, have publicly appealed for information and expressed their profound grief. A GoFundMe page has been set up to assist with funeral costs. Schaefer was remembered as a skilled athlete and a beloved community member.