A Hunter pair charged with murder over the death of firefighter and helicopter pilot Ian Pullen have been accused of returning to the scene - where they allegedly struck the New Zealander with a ute - to hit the injured man in the head with a weapon.
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Nicole Mason, 30, was charged on Monday - the second person facing a count of murder over Mr Pullen's death.
Mr Pullen's lifeless body was found by the side of a road at Glenridding, near Singleton, just after 5.30am on September 29, 2018.
The 43-year-old had been in the Hunter helping emergency crews prepare for the bushfire season.
Ms Mason did not apply for bail when she faced Muswellbrook Local Court on Tuesday.
But her legal representative told the court the 30-year-old planned to make a release application next week, so the matter was adjourned to October 26.
Police will allege Ms Mason was in a ute being driven by a man when it hit Mr Pullen.
Police will also allege the pair left the scene before returning and striking Mr Pullen in the head with an unspecified object - he is believed to have still been alive when they got back to the scene.
Speaking to reporters at Singleton on Tuesday, Detective Inspector Matthew Zimmer said investigators had evidence from witnesses and medical experts to support their case.
"I can also advise that there is no evidence of any interaction between the parties prior to Mr Pullen being struck by the motor vehicle," he said.
"I would like to pass on the extreme gratitude that has been extended by Mr Pullen's family in New Zealand and also thank those members of the community who have provided the information which has led us to where we are today.
"For those individuals to return to the scene and engage in the conduct of what is alleged, in my view, that is at the lowest end of the scale of human behaviour."
Mr Pullen was a father of three and lived on New Zealand's north island with his wife Vicki.
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District formed Strike Force Awabakil in 2018 to investigate the circumstances surrounding Mr Pullen's death.
Detectives last week charged Singleton man Joshua Knight, 29, with one count each of murder, dangerous driving occasioning death and failing to stop after a vehicle's impact had caused a death.
Mr Knight is accused of driving the white Toyota Hilux that struck Mr Pullen. He remains in custody and is due to face Newcastle Local Court again on December 10.
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