A 37-year-old man faces murder charges after a woman's body was found with a gunshot wound.
A sawn-off shotgun and ammunition were allegedly found in the man's car when NSW Police took him into custody in the Hunter Valley region on Saturday night.
The arrest came after emergency services were called to a home in Kearsley, about 156 kms from Sydney, on Friday night.
Officers found a 39-year-old woman dead at the residence.
Hunter Valley Superintendent Steve Laksa said the death of the woman had involved a "traumatic incident".
"It was quite horrific for family members, all involved, and her three children," he told reporters on Saturday.
One of the children is understood to have run to a neighbour's property to find help.
The man arrested on Saturday was charged with murder, possessing a prohibited drug, possessing a prohibited firearm and possessing ammunition without holding a licence.
He was refused bail to appear before Parramatta Local Court on Sunday.
If you or someone you know is impacted by family and domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732, or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
