Murder suspect shot dead

The man wanted for questioning over the stabbing murder of his ex-partner has been shot dead by police following a night of mayhem.

Tafari Walton, who had sparked a massive manhunt following the murder of 27-year-old Gabriella Thompson at Glendale on Wednesday, was involved in an altercation with police when he returned to his mother's home at Glendale on Thursday morning.

It is believed he was shot several times after threatening police with a knife. He died at the scene. Homicide squad detectives are now travelling from Sydney to take over the critical incident investigation as per normal police protocols.

Part of the investigation will look at whether Walton had been on a days-long drug binge.

The shooting followed a night of carjackings and police pursuits as detectives closed in on the convicted armed robber.

He was last seen by his mother as he left the house belonging to Ms Thompson - his ex-partner and mother to his child - on Stephens Avenue about 10.30am on Wednesday.

Ms Thompson was found with multiple stab wounds and was rushed to John Hunter Hospital before she succumbed to her injuries.

Walton had only been released from jail about five weeks ago, and detectives had been investigating whether he had attempted to rekindle the relationship with his ex-partner.

EARLIER BLOG:

The man wanted for questioning over the horrific stabbing murder of a former partner had only been released from jail a few weeks ago.

Tafari Walton, aged in his early 20s, was seen leaving the home on Stephens Avenue, Glendale, in a white Mitsubishi Outlander moments after the attack about 11.30am on Wednesday.

Several of Walton's relatives arrived to discover the 26-year-old woman, who was the mother of Walton's young child, and rang authorities.

The victim, whom I have decided not to identify because I am unaware if all her relatives have been informed, suffered a stab wound to the back of her head and other wounds to her neck and under both armpits.

She was rushed to John Hunter Hospital but could not be revived.

Tafari Walton

A massive manhunt commenced across the greater Lake Macquarie area, involving several police helicopters, and continued throughout the day.

But after failing to locate the wanted man, detectives were forced on Wednesday night to reveal that they were searching for Walton, a rarity in murder investigations.

A carefully-worded police press release said detectives believed Walton could "assist with their inquiry". They also released an image of Walton and of a car similar to that believed to be driven by him.

A car similar to the one believed to have been driven by Walton

A crime scene remained at the woman's house on Wednesday night.

Walton had been jailed for significant violent crimes which I have decided not to expand on at this stage.

He was only released on parole about five weeks ago and detectives are investigating whether Walton had sought to rekindle a relationship with the woman.

Walton is described as dangerous and the public has been warned not to approach him but ring authorities via Triple-0.

Walton is described a having a dark complexion, aged in his early 20s with a long black ponytail and wearing a grey top with black shorts.

It’s believed he may be driving a 2008 white Mitsubishi Outlander with NSW registration AW67VV.