The father of Nathan Costello, who was gunned down outside a Unanderra home on Valentine's Day last year, says he feels "sick" his son's alleged killer will now stand trial in the Supreme Court.
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An emotional Robert Costello told of his heartache outside Wollongong courthouse on Wednesday morning, a short time after seeing accused murderer Matthew Spinks' face in the courtroom.
Spinks has pleaded not guilty to murdering Nathan Costello, then aged 33, in what police allege was a "targeted" early-morning attack on February 14, 2018.
The accused appeared in Wollongong Local Court - via video-link from Parklea Correctional Centre - on Wednesday, with Magistrate Michael Stoddart committing him to stand trial in the Supreme Court.
Outside court Mr Costello said he felt "sick, sick, sick" about the case going to trial. He said the past year had been "shocking" and "terrible" for the family.
"I just hope that something comes out of the trial, that's all I can say, because to me it's just killin' me," he said, adding Nathan "was one hell of a beautiful son".
"He's done that much jail, he got out, he was coming back to me and he was happy ... it's killing me," he said.
The distraught dad praised the work of the police and vowed to sit in on the trial and follow its progress.
I just hope that something comes out of the trial ... because to me it's just killin' me.
- Robert Costello
"Aw yeah, all the way," he said. "It's gonna hurt but I've got to put up with it and see if we get the right justice."
Emergency services were called to Carr Parade about 2.15am and found Costello, who had a gunshot wound, on the nature strip of a home.
Police officers conducting CPR until paramedics arrived. However, Costello could not be revived.
Forensic police spent hours examining the scene, including a dark-coloured car that had two bullet holes visible in the back driver's side window.
The car was parked on the gutter, near where Costello was found injured on the nature strip.
Detectives set up Strike Force Gangele to investigate Costello's death, with investigators interviewing neighbours and witnesses, as well as combing nearby streets for evidence.
Spinks was arrested during a vehicle stop at Warrawong in July and charged with murder.
The case will mentioned in the Supreme Court for the first time on July 12.
The trial is expected to be held in Wollongong early next year.
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Andrew Pearson
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
