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Negotiator's Tears: Krista Kach Inquest After Fatal Shooting
3 Mar
Summary
- Negotiator broke down, expressing hope for answers for the deceased's children.
- Krista Kach died after a beanbag round perforated her chest and lung.
- The inquest examines the police response during her mental health crisis.
A lead negotiator emotionally testified at the Krista Kach inquest, expressing his desire to send a message to her children. The 47-year-old woman died on September 14, 2023, after a beanbag round struck her chest during a police operation at her Newcastle unit. The projectile perforated her chest and ruptured her right lung.
The inquest is investigating the cause of death and the adequacy of the police response to Ms. Kach's mental health crisis. Hours before the fatal breach, she became agitated following an eviction notice. She had a history of mental health issues and exhibited erratic behavior, including preoccupied with conspiracy theories.
Negotiations lasted over seven and a half hours. Police highlighted Ms. Kach's sovereign citizen beliefs, which led her to repeatedly deny their authority. Due to a perceived lack of progress, a tactical breach was initiated around 9:30 PM. During the entry, Ms. Kach reportedly pushed an officer, and another deployed a Taser before a beanbag round was fired.
She went into cardiac arrest in the ambulance and was pronounced dead at 10:55 PM. The two-week inquest will examine the decision-making process, including the use of beanbag rounds and potential involvement of mental health specialists.
