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Night of drama unfolds
Australia - RUSSELL Merick Oldham spent the hours before he took his own life
holed up on Balmoral Island, perhaps perched on one of its rocky outcrops or
hidden from public view among the trees.
Harbourside Police have confirmed items found on the island early last Friday
morning - including a rucksack and clothes - belonged to Oldham, 39.
They are part of a report being prepared by police for the coroner into the
suicide of the known bikie gang member and suspected murderer.
Police said there were no drugs found on the island.
Questions still remain as to why Oldham chose Balmoral Beach to end his life. He
had no apparent link to the area.
Residents interviewed by the Daily were perplexed by the lack of sightings of
Oldham in the days, or even hours, before he died.
It was about 7.45pm on Thursday when Oldham made his way along the beach, took
off his shoes, waded into the gentle surf and shot himself in the head with a
small handgun.
Horrified onlookers ran from the beach after the incident, which took place near
the intersection of Esther Rd and The Esplanade.
Bottom of the Harbour restaurant manager Sohail Muhammad called 000 after two
terrified women ran to his shop. ``This was unbelievable,'' he told the Daily.
``We were all completely shocked - I have worked here for nine years and nothing
like this has ever happened.'' Oldham, the prime suspect in the murder of
Bandido gang chief Rodney Monk, had been on the run from police for three weeks.
It is alleged Oldham shot Monk after they had dined at an East Sydney
restaurant.
Last Thursday, Mr Muhammad told the Daily he heard a loud ``boom, boom'' and
that the two female witnesses ran into his shop and reported the shooting.
``I was certainly panicked and scared when the two rushed into the shop to say
someone had shot himself in the water,'' he said.
Police said Oldham's body was formally identified on Saturday.
As the police searched for further evidence last Friday morning, the Daily
witnessed an eerie silence as curious onlookers and regular joggers walked past
the spot where just a few hours earlier a desperate man had violently taken his
own life.
http://www.mosmandaily.com.au/article/2006/05/17/283_news.html
