UPDATE: A chilling testimony unfolded in the Supreme Court of Sydney today as a key witness described the horrifying moments following a fatal shooting in Mudgee. Jesse-James McMillan-Davies, who claims to have witnessed the murder of David Collison, recounted the victim’s desperate cries, likening them to the “squealing” of a “stuck pig.” The trial, which began on October 8, 2025, is gripping the nation with its shocking revelations.
According to McMillan-Davies, on the night of September 25, 2023, he arrived at a property near Menah, just outside Mudgee, after using the drug ice during his journey from Dubbo. He detailed how Collison was shot three times by Eric James Forrest, the man facing trial for the murder. McMillan-Davies described the scene as “horrendous,” stating that after being shot, Collison stumbled and attempted to flee into the darkness.
The prosecution alleges that Forrest shot Collison once as he raised his hands in surrender and then fired two additional shots as the victim attempted to escape. In a disturbing twist, McMillan-Davies claimed that after the shooting, Forrest returned to his vehicle and rummaged around before pursuing Collison again. Witnesses say Collison’s cries of “please, don’t, stop” echoed in the night before silence fell.
Authorities continue to investigate the aftermath of this gruesome crime. Collison was reported missing by his partner on October 15, 2023, following a trip to the property to collect opals. His body was discovered in a burned tree stump on October 26, 2023, after police executed a search warrant, uncovering bone fragments and teeth identified by forensic experts.
Forrest was arrested shortly after the body was found, allegedly admitting to another individual that he had shot someone and then burned the body. He has pleaded not guilty, and the trial is expected to delve deeper into the events leading up to the murder.
During his testimony, McMillan-Davies, who appeared in prison attire, stated that he and Forrest grew up together and had used drugs during the trip to the Mudgee property. He described a seemingly normal atmosphere until the situation escalated drastically. In a shocking revelation, he recounted how Forrest had pulled out a shotgun from a backpack, leading to a tense confrontation with Collison.
The emotional weight of McMillan-Davies’s testimony was palpable as he recounted the chaotic moments following the shooting, indicating a strong bond with both Forrest and Collison. He later found himself “in shock,” returning to the scene where he witnessed Forrest allegedly looting Collison’s pockets before attempting to conceal the body.
As the trial progresses, the defense has begun cross-examining McMillan-Davies, questioning his drug use and the reliability of his testimony. The courtroom is expected to hear more about the events of that fateful night as the case unfolds.
This trial not only highlights a tragic loss of life but also raises serious questions about the circumstances surrounding drug use, violence, and accountability. As the nation watches, updates on this case are likely to continue making headlines in the coming days.
Stay tuned for further developments as this gripping trial continues to reveal shocking details surrounding a murder that has left the Mudgee community reeling.
