A mother wracked with grief, her head in her hands. A father in tears, wrapped in the arms of a friend.
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At the same scene just hours before, their 18-year-old son, Ekampreet Singh Sahni, was lost forever in what police have described as a "senseless" shooting at Bar Beach, Newcastle, car park on Wednesday night.
The killer is still on the run while the young man's heartbroken parents have so far been left with more questions than answers.
Police said a man in a white SUV pulled up, armed with what is believed to be a rifle, and shot their son in the torso before fleeing the scene at 11.40pm on April 23.
Mr Sahni, who was also known as Ekam, was described by friends Sharni Davison and Sarah McDonald as a "quiet", "kind" and "beautiful man" who loved cars.
"I was devastated, I was in tears," Ms Davison said.
"We really wanted to see if his car was still here to pay our respects," Ms McDonald said.
"I'm in tears right now, and seeing his parents here crying, it's just horrible."
Family and friends surrounded the young man's car on Wednesday afternoon as Mr Sahni's parents returned to where their son lost his life just hours before.
They will not be alone in the coming days, their home filled with loved ones who share in their grief.
Between John Hunter Hospital, Waratah Police Station and the scene of the crime in the hours after their son's death, the parents' community was beside them through it all.
Ms McDonald said she was shocked when she heard the news her friend had died.
"I've got no words, he was probably just out enjoying himself, and then all of a sudden he's gone, how?" she said.
Emergency services were called to the car park on Memorial Drive about 11.40pm on Wednesday, April 23 where they found Mr Sahni suffering from a gunshot wound.
Paramedics worked tirelessly to save his life, but he died at the scene.
Investigators have been told a group of people were fighting in the car park when a white SUV drove up, a man armed with a firearm got out, fired, and left in the vehicle.
Police said on Thursday they did not believe the shooter was connected to the fight that broke out.
The white SUV, later found burnt out at Bangalay Reserve just off Croudace Road at Tingira Heights, is believed to have been stolen.
Earlier on Wednesday, NSW Minister for Police and Counter-Terrorism Yasmin Catley said her heart went out to the young victim's family.
"This sort of violence is not what we ever want to see on our streets," she said.
"This sort of violence we're not used to seeing on our streets, the police have stood up a strike force immediately, and we will throw every resource at that, including the State Crime Squad and the homicide team."
Meanwhile, Mr Sahni's family is waiting for answers about the violent attack that took their son.
Anyone with relevant information or dashcam vision of the incident is urged to contact Newcastle Police or Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a born and bred Novocastrian who started her career as a journalist in the New England North West in 2016. She is an experienced council and court reporter, former deputy editor of the Northern Daily Leader and two-time Kennedy Award finalist. In unrelated incidents, she previously reported on country music in Australia's country music capital and was once flung across Lake Macquarie in a power boat at more than 100 kilometres per hour. Maddie now works at the Newcastle Herald with a focus on Newcastle council. To keep up with my stories, follow my X @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
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