A 33-year-old man who was allegedly murdered with an axe during a camping trip in New South Wales has been remembered by friends and community members as a 'humble, beautiful soul' and a loyal companion. Rimani Pena Hughes from Urunga, NSW, was at the Little Styx River Campground, located east of Armidale, just before midnight on Sunday when a violent altercation erupted.
Alleged Attack and Aftermath
Police allege that Ahwen Kohn, 26, fatally struck Mr Hughes in the head with an axe during the incident. According to reports, an argument between the two men broke out over a woman who was part of their camping group. Following the alleged attack, when a 25-year-old woman in the group suggested calling an ambulance, Kohn allegedly choked her and convinced her to load Mr Hughes' body into a car and drive away from the scene.
Bail Court heard on Tuesday that the woman then drove her fatally wounded friend from Ebor to Thora, a distance of approximately 60 kilometres, in search of help. She eventually reached the Thora Ambulance station, where Mr Hughes was pronounced dead. After the woman left with the body, Kohn allegedly had another argument with someone after asking for a lift to the main road. When questioned about what happened, Kohn allegedly replied: 'You don't want to know.'
Community Tributes and Grief
On Monday, friends took to social media to pay heartfelt tributes to Mr Hughes, who was a respected member of the Bellingen community. One woman described him as a 'loyal foot soldier for the people he loved' who 'stood strong for his friends and never hesitated to show up when it mattered.' Another friend said: 'One of the most kind and respectful people out of all the lads I've met in [Bellingen].'
A third person expressed deep sorrow, writing: 'The community of Bellingen, Thora and Urunga will struggle greatly with what has happened. A lovely gentle smiling soul has been taken ... My heart is shattered.' The campground, situated about 80 kilometres east of Armidale, has become a site of tragedy for the tight-knit regional communities.
Legal Proceedings and Police Investigation
Kohn was arrested on Waterfall Way in Ebor around 11:30 am on Monday, approximately 24 hours after the alleged murder. He has been charged with three offences: murder, intentionally choking a person with recklessness, and assault occasioning bodily harm. During bail proceedings, Kohn's Legal Aid lawyer, Matthew Spicer, applied for bail, citing his client's 'limited criminal history' and willingness to comply with strict conditions.
However, the police prosecutor opposed bail, telling the court that a guilty finding on the murder charge could result in a life sentence. Magistrate Miranda Moody acknowledged that Kohn had no history of violence but described the murder allegation as 'serious and brutal.' Kohn remained silent throughout the proceedings.
Police Statements and Ongoing Case
NSW Police Superintendent Chris McKinnon confirmed on Monday that the group involved were known to each other. He stated: 'It's always a terrible thing that someone ends up dead from an altercation like this. It's understood that they were known to each other and they were camping together along with a female. We know that male [from Thora] received a lift from someone else who was camping nearby and he was dropped at Waterfall Way.'
Kohn is scheduled to appear in Armidale Magistrates Court on April 22 for further legal proceedings. The case has sent shockwaves through the local communities, highlighting the devastating impact of the alleged violent crime during what should have been a peaceful camping excursion.
