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Bali murder-suicide: Perth father Damien Shaw allegedly smothered children after phone call with kids’ mum

PerthNow ·
Bali murder-suicide: Perth father Damien Shaw allegedly smothered children after phone call with kids’ mum

Chilling details have emerged after a Perth father allegedly smothered his two young children to death before taking his own life inside a Bali villa.

The horrific scene was uncovered at the Arca Bungalow complex in Legian, close to the well-known Padma Resort, about 10.15am on Sunday, four days after Damien John Shaw’s wife had left the family’s home to travel to Jakarta.

It can now be revealed the frantic mother triggered the gruesome discovery after receiving a haunting phone call from her 56-year-old husband earlier that morning.

While on the phone to Mr Shaw, she heard her terrified four-year-old daughter crying and begging, “stop daddy”.

The mother allegedly tried calling back but could not get hold of her husband.

It is believed she then phoned the bungalow manager asking for an urgent welfare check.

When neighbours and staff failed to get a response, they forced open the door.

Inside a bedroom — its walls adorned with sweet baby pictures, children’s drawings, and family portraits depicting a loving home — were the lifeless bodies of Mr Shaw and his six-year-old son and four-year-old daughter.

It is alleged Mr Shaw then stacked their lifeless bodies on top of one another on the floor, before taking his own life.

Indonesian police are continuing their investigation, with autopsies scheduled to formally determine the exact causes of death.

“News is emerging of a horrific situation in Bali, where a father and children have lost their lives,” Mr Cook said.

“It has been characterised as a murder-suicide - I just want to really make sure that people are clear, we have not had that confirmed, but we know that there is a very confronting situation there.

“This is a very sad situation, and our hearts go out to everyone involved. We hope that we can get to the bottom of what’s gone on as soon as possible.”

A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed consular assistance is being provided to the devastated family.

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5News aggregated this summary from the outlet’s public feed. The full article, with all the context, is on www.perthnow.com.au — the content belongs to PerthNow.

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