A crane operator has been accused of murdering a man during a neighbourhood dispute that escalated violently. Michael Wickham, aged 60, was allegedly placed in a chokehold for nine minutes outside Edgar Campos’s home in south-west Sydney in December. It is reported that Wickham had approached Campos’s residence and demanded that he come outside, referring to him in derogatory terms.
According to evidence presented in court, Campos was arrested at the scene after authorities responded to a report from his wife. Wickham was found face down in the driveway, partially under a parked vehicle. Since his arrest, Campos, now 42, has remained in custody but his legal representation claims that evidence including security footage may support a potential acquittal. His lawyer contended that the prosecution would need to establish that Campos intended to kill or cause serious harm while also disproving any claims of self-defence.
The court heard that Campos had previously attempted to diffuse the situation by dropping a metal pole he had been wielding and reaching for help. He is described as having attempted to subdue an aggressive Wickham rather than intending to inflict fatal harm. During the altercation, Campos reportedly told his wife to contact the police, indicating he was only trying to restrain Wickham.
Details revealed that the confrontation stemmed from ongoing issues between Campos and Wickham concerning their adjoining properties. On three separate occasions prior to the fatal incident, Wickham confronted Campos’s family, demanding to speak with him. It was during one of these confrontations that Wickham allegedly tried to strike Campos.
The struggle between the men reportedly led to Campos gaining control and placing Wickham in the chokehold, despite Wickham’s protests for help. Evidence was noted of Wickham suffering a fractured thyroid, generally associated with blunt-force trauma. The prosecutor acknowledged that a jury could perceive Campos’s actions as excessive self-defence due to the prolonged chokehold.
Justice Sarah McNaughton remarked on the strength of the crown’s case but also pointed out the possibility of acquittal or a lesser charge based on the evidence available. A trial is anticipated no sooner than mid-2026. Meanwhile, Campos’s family, including his elderly father and brother, were present to show support during the bail hearing. The judge expressed confidence in Campos’s ties to the community, thus allowing him bail under strict conditions, including house arrest and restrictions on approaching certain locations. The next court session is scheduled for April 17.