NSW: No gun found when killer's home searched earlier - police

AAP General News (Australia)
12-17-2008
NSW: No gun found when killer's home searched earlier - police

SYDNEY, Dec 17 AAP - Police investigating a domestic violence complaint against a man
who later shot dead his estranged wife, did not find any firearms when they searched his
home earlier this year.

Melissa Cook, 29, was shot in the chest in broad daylight on Tuesday afternoon while
working at a BP petrol station on the Hume Highway at Casula in Sydney's south-west.

She was rushed to Liverpool Hospital but died a short time later.

Police later surrounded a house at Pine Road in the neighbouring suburb of Prestons
where they discovered the body of 39-year-old John Lee Kudrytch with a gunshot wound.

Assistant Commissioner Frank Mennilli said on Wednesday the couple's divorce was made
final in September and an apprehended violence order had been taken out against Kudrytch
in early October, relating to an incident "earlier this year".

"There was no weapon previously in position at the home," Mr Mennilli told reporters.

"Police had received a complaint after a report of domestic violence.

"Police took appropriate action at the time and attended the house and search was conducted
... nothing was found.

"An apprehended violence order was taken out and that matter is still currently before
the court."

Mr Mennilli would not comment on whether Kudrytch was a registered gun owner or where
the gun had come from.

"The matter is still under investigation. A number of witnesses and family friends
and work colleagues are currently being interviewed," he said.

"All the questions ... will be investigated by the coroner and by investigators in
preparation for the coroner's brief."

Mr Mennilli said the couple had been separated for three months.

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