Police have made their first arrest in the case of Jye McWatters, almost six months since the Warilla teen was found with a fatal gunshot wound to the back of his head.
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A 39-year-old Warilla man was arrested shortly before 9am Monday.
He will face court next month charged with concealing a ‘serious indictable offence’.
The Mercury understands the charge refers to the concealment of information which police believe will incriminate Mr McWatters’ killer, or killers.
A police source told the Mercury investigations were ongoing.
“Inquires are continuing and further arrests are expected,” the source said.
Nineteen-year-old Mr McWatters’ body was found in the front yard of his Kippax Street, Warilla, home on December 26.
He wore no shoes and had a bleeding wound to the back of his head.
Mr McWatters’ brothers made the discovery about 1pm, many hours after the teen had bid his family goodnight and – they believed - gone to bed.
How or why Mr McWatters left the house, and who killed him, became the subjects of police inquiry.
Strike Force Briony was formed by local police, along with detectives from the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad and the Southern Region to investigate the death.
Police say Mr McWatters was feuding with multiple parties in the lead-up to his death.
In January, Homicide Squad Detective Chief Inspector David Laidlaw told the Mercury those conflicts were “typically [the result of] testosterone levels - to do with the way young men of today see themselves, and the way that they use force as opposed to talking any problems out”.
Insp Laidlaw called on the teen’s killer to make contact with police.
“It would make it easier for him, and obviously Jye’s family and his own family, if he were to come forward and talk to us about the incident,” he said at the time.
The man arrested on Monday has been granted conditional bail in the lead-up to his July 20 appearance at Port Kembla courthouse.
Meantime, anyone with information about Mr McWatters’ death is urged to contact police.
Contact police at Lake Illawarra Local Area Command (4232 5599) or via Crime Stoppers (1800 333 000).
