Fugitive found dead in home following 21-hour siege with NSW police - 9News

A fugitive has been found dead at a home west of the Blue Mountains in NSW following a 21-hour stand-off with police.

Police were called to the Bowenfels home in Lithgow on Sunday after reports an armed man and woman were fighting.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Scott Tanner said when officers arrived at the home, the pair were "abusive to police".

Daniel Whelan, 29, was found dead in a home after a siege near Lithgow. (Nine)

Officers tried to negotiate with the man, now identified as 29-year-old Daniel Whelan, but he and the woman, 20-year-old Ursala Saunders, went inside the property, locked the doors, and refused to come out.

A perimeter was established and specialised police, including negotiators and the Tactical Operations Unit (TOU), were deployed.

Police said a number of shots were fired from the home in the direction of police at about 4.20 pm, and they returned fire.

No one was injured during the exchange, police said.

Negotiations continued overnight but Whelan and Saunders refused to come outside.

Videos uploaded to social media by Saunders show her hiding behind a makeshift rice bag barricade in the home.

The police operation begun in Lithgow just after midday and saw specialised police brought in. (9News)

The situation changed this morning when Saunders approached officers alone. 

"Just before 8.50am today (Monday 17 July 2023), the 20-year-old woman came out of the property and provided information to officers at the scene," NSW Police said in a statement.

Tanner said Saunders came out on her own accord with a firearm, believed to be a .22-calibre rifle, and surrendered to police.

Police entered the home and found Whelan dead with what is believed to be a self-inflicted injury. 

Tanner said Whelan was wanted by police for "some serious matters that dated back to 2021".

Those included domestic violence-related matters and matters relating to firearms.

Saunders left the home on her own accord. (9News)

Police believe Whelan held anti-government beliefs.

"An investigation has commenced into all circumstances relating to the incident by a Critical Incident Investigation Team from Orana Mid Western Police District," police added.

Saunders is assisting police with enquiries. 

Readers seeking support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyond blue on 1300 22 4636.

National Domestic Violence Service: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732). If you are in immediate danger call triple zero (000).

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2023-07-17 07:39:44Z
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