BATHURST was in a state of shock yesterday at the news that prominent local couple Nadia Cameron and Elie Issa had been found dead in Mr Issa’s Rosemont Avenue home at Kelso.
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Emergency services were called to the home at 11.15am after a family member made the horrendous discovery.
Police immediately cordoned off the area and established a crime scene as they began investigations into how the pair died, while family and friends stood in the driveway of the home in disbelief.
A gunshot in one of the home’s windows was visible from the street.
Ms Cameron and Mr Issa were well-known in Bathurst business and social circles.
Ms Cameron had been working as a sales consultant at Bathurst Real Estate, while Mr Issa owned Elie’s Cafe in William Street.
As news of the tragedy filtered through yesterday, staff at the cafe closed its doors, placing a sign on the door saying “due to unforeseen circumstances the cafe will be closed until further notice”.
Chifley local area command Acting Superintendent Chris Sammut said police arrived after a Triple-0 call came through.
When officers entered the property, he said they found a man and woman dead in the living room.
Supt Sammut said a firearm was also found between the pair, but would not comment on whether it was used in their deaths.
Supt Sammut said the investigation into the incident was in its infancy and said it was not possible to say whether their deaths were suspicious.
However, police do not support a theory that a third party was involved.
“At this stage we’ve preserved the entire house for full forensic examination,” Supt Sammut said.
“The investigation is underway, assisted by Forensic Services Group, to establish the circumstances of their death.”
Supt Sammut said police had not yet established when Ms Cameron and Mr Issa died, but said more information would be released at a later date.
He said police would also be speaking to the couple’s family and friends to see if they could shed any light on what may have occurred in the days and weeks leading up to their deaths.
Upper Rosemont Avenue remained in full lockdown late yesterday as police continued to work in the area.
Supt Sammut said the house would remain preserved overnight as specialist police investigated.
“An investigation such as this has to be very methodical,” he said.
Supt Sammut said police had support networks in place for officers working within the crime scene after what had been a distressing day.
FRIENDS and family of Elie Issa and Nadia Cameron were struggling to come to terms with their deaths yesterday, wondering how such tragedy could befall a couple who loved each other and were loved by all.
Mr Issa’s immediate family remained outside his Rosemont Avenue home late yesterday, gutted by what had unfolded earlier in the day.
Like most of the city, they just simply couldn’t believe it.
Both Ms Cameron and Mr Issa were well- known in Bathurst, not only through their business connections but also as part of the city’s social scene.
Ms Cameron’s employer and friend Stacey Whittaker from Bathurst Real Estate said the city of Bathurst had been devastated by the news of the couple’s death.
Ms Cameron, 52, had worked in the sales team at Bathurst Real Estate for the past two-and-a-half years.
“It’s a huge loss, which everyone is feeling,” Mrs Whittaker said.
“Nadia was loved by everyone. She wore her heart on her sleeve and she was the first to do someone a good turn.
“She has always been there for people and she was a kind and generous person.”
Mrs Whittaker described Mr Issa, 60, as a “beautiful person”.
“I’ve known Elie for years. You’d never go into the cafe without Elie popping a kiss on your cheek and on your children’s cheek,” she said.
“I just can’t believe it.
“He was a great person for Bathurst, he had a great business. We just can’t believe what has happened.”
Mrs Whittaker said her staff were devastated when they heard the news.
“What has happened today, you wouldn’t wish on anyone,” she said.
Mr Issa has owned a number of businesses in the city over the past 16 years.
They included a service station on the corner of Stewart and Rocket streets, Elie’s Cafe in William Street and, more recently, the King’s Terrace crepe restaurant above his cafe.
Ms Cameron’s father, Kelvin Pleming, was tragically killed in a car accident in Sydney just last month.
