Indonesian police have launched an investigation into a suspected murder-suicide after the bodies of an Australian man and his two young children were discovered inside a bungalow in Kuta, Bali, on Sunday morning.
The deceased have been identified as 56-year-old Damien John Shaw, originally from Fremantle in Western Australia, his six-year-old son, and his four-year-old daughter. The family had been residing in the Kuta property since 2022.
The grim discovery was made following a frantic plea from Mr. Shaw’s wife, who was in Jakarta at the time. According to Badung Regency police, the mother had been on the phone with her husband when she heard one of the children crying. The call was abruptly disconnected, and when she was subsequently unable to reach Mr. Shaw, she contacted a neighbor to check on the family’s welfare.
Upon receiving the alert, the neighbor sought assistance from a local community head. Together, they forced entry into the bungalow, where they found all three individuals dead.
Badung police have since transported the bodies to a hospital in Denpasar. Authorities are expected to conduct autopsies to formally establish the exact cause and timing of the deaths. While police have not released further details regarding the circumstances inside the home, the nature of the discovery has led to an active investigation into a suspected murder-suicide.
Western Australian Premier Roger Cook addressed the tragedy on Monday, describing it as a “horrific” and “very sad” situation.
“We know there is a very confronting situation there,” Mr. Cook said. “Our hearts go out to everyone involved. We hope we can get to the bottom of what’s gone on as soon as possible.”
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) confirmed it is providing consular assistance to the family. In a brief statement, a spokesperson expressed the department’s “deepest condolences” but noted that privacy obligations prevented further comment.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community and back to Western Australia. Police investigations remain ongoing as officials work to piece together the final moments of the family.
If you or anyone you know needs support, help is available:
- Lifeline: 131 114
- Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
- 13 YARN: 13 92 76
- Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
- MensLine Australia: 1300 789 978
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