Four murder trials and multiple dangerous driving cases are underway in New South Wales’ Central West region in early 2026.

In early 2026, several high-profile criminal cases are moving forward in New South Wales’ Central West region. Jack Bowd, 24, faces trial for four counts of dangerous driving occasioning death following a 2024 Newell Highway crash that killed four. Kathleen Joyce Heggs, 66, is charged with two counts of murder in connection with her grandsons’ deaths in Coonabarabran, with her plea pending. Mark Peckham, 39, and Daniel Fitton, 29, will stand trial together on murder and accessory charges related to a 2023 stabbing in Dubbo. Eric James Forrest, 34, convicted of murdering David Collisson in 2023, is set for sentencing. Anthony Facchi, 27, pleaded guilty to a 2024 stabbing murder, and Daniel Billings, 30, admitted guilt in the 2024 killing of a childcare worker. All cases remain subject to change.