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Triple-0 Call Reveals Tragic Last Moments
9 Nov
Summary
- Teenager's triple-zero call captured her murder.
- Man with stroke effects killed two women, himself.
- Inquest examines police and healthcare failings.
A five-day inquest has begun into the deaths of Jennifer Petelczyc, 59, and her 18-year-old daughter, Gretl, who were murdered by Mark Bombara, 63, on May 24, 2024. The court heard Gretl's triple-zero call, where she reported a gunman in her home, and later her sister's calls and Facebook messages detailing her distress. Bombara, who was seeking his estranged wife, mistakenly believed she was at the Petelczyc residence. He killed both women before taking his own life.
During the inquest, it was revealed that Bombara's family had previously warned police of his erratic behavior and his legal ownership of 13 firearms. An internal police inquiry found eight officers failed in their duties, leading to disciplinary action. The inquest will investigate the police response to family violence, Bombara's firearms license, triple-zero call handling, and his mental healthcare.
Bombara's children emphasized his declining mental health following two strokes and a brain cyst diagnosis in early 2024. They expressed disappointment with his healthcare at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, suggesting that adequate care might have prevented the tragedy. The inquest will hear evidence from doctors and police officers involved.
