NSW: Police wait to speak to man accused of Valentine's murder

AAP General News (Australia)
02-15-2007
NSW: Police wait to speak to man accused of Valentine's murder

By Nick Ralston and Alyssa Braithwaite

SYDNEY, Feb 15 AAP - The small NSW town of Gulgong was still reeling today after a
Valentine's Day tragedy that shattered two families - leaving one man dead and another
under police guard with a gunshot wound to the head.

Police are still waiting to interview prominent local businessman Tony Riley over yesterday's
fatal shooting of David Glenn Nichols, who is understood to have been the lover of Mr
Riley's estranged wife.

The incident has "devastated" the central-western town where Mr Riley operated a Century
21 real estate franchise.

Mr Riley, 48, remains in a serious condition in a Sydney hospital, where he is under
police guard.

The body of Mr Nichols, a divorced father of two who had worked at a nearby coal mine
for almost 30 years, was found about 7am (AEDT) yesterday in Cainbil Street at Gulgong,
25km from Mudgee.

Residents said Mr Riley had previously threatened to shoot Mr Nichols during a heated
argument in the same street about two years ago.

At that time, Mr Riley accused Mr Nichols of having an affair with his wife, Kathryn Riley.

It is believed Mrs Riley separated from her husband three weeks ago.

Neighbours yesterday reported hearing three shots ring out before seeing Mr Nichols'
body slumped on the street, and a vehicle fleeing the scene.

The NSW Police Force began an immediate search for Mr Riley, who was discovered yesterday
afternoon with a gunshot wound to the head in the Mudgee branch of his real estate business.

He was the sole occupant of the office and was taken to Mudgee Hospital before being
airlifted to Sydney's Westmead Hospital by NRMA Careflight last night.

Simon Gowar, who treated Mr Riley on board the helicopter, said Mr Riley had "extensive
damage" from a gunshot wound to the left side of his face, extending from his mouth to
his forehead.

"He was in a serious condition, but stable," Mr Gowar said.

"He was able to say a few words at the hospital but it was difficult to understand
exactly what he was saying given his injuries."

Gulgong, population 2,500, is in a state of shock over the fatal love triangle.

"We woke up with a pit in our stomach," said Helen McAnulty, who has lived in Gulgong
for 26 years.

"Our hearts go out to both families.

"I know Glenn's mother very well and my heart goes out to her, I don't know Tony's
mother but I have friends who do and we all feel devastated about it."

A woman who didn't want to be named said the town's residents were very upset by the shooting.

"When something like this happens everyone is shattered," she said.

A hospital spokeswoman said Mr Riley remained in a serious but stable condition this afternoon.

The NSW Police Force is waiting until his condition improves before interviewing him
over the incident.

AAP acb/hn/jm/de

KEYWORD: SHOOTING NIGHTLEAD

2007 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.