Australian man, children found dead in Bali in suspected double-murder suicide

An Australian man and his two young children have been found dead inside a Bali home in what authorities suspect was a double-murder suicide.

The bodies of Perth man Damien John Shaw, 56, and his two children, aged 4 and 6, were discovered by Indonesian police on Sunday morning after the mother of the children asked neighbours to carry out a welfare check at the family’s rental house in Kuta.

She was in Jakarta at the time, having left only days prior.

The woman allegedly called the home’s neighbour crying, and told them she had recently spoken to her husband on the phone, and had heard one of their children crying. She was unable to contact her husband again.

The neighbour went to the front of the property and attempted to look through the window, but couldn’t see anything.

A second person was called to assist and also could not see anyone inside the home, and the local community leader was contacted.

A few minutes later, the leader arrived with several neighbours who were also renting bungalows at the property.

They knocked and banged on the door while calling out to the occupants, but received no response and the door was forced open.

Shaw and his two children were inside.

The family first rented the property in 2022, and were signed to stay until 2029.

Officers are investigating the cause of death for the three people, with autopsies being carried out.

9 News Perth reported the deceased man was from Fremantle.

The Department of Foreign Affairs is assisting the family.

Lifeline: 13 11 14

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Holly Thompson is a journalist with WAtoday, specialising in education and the environment.Connect via X or email.Heather McNeill is the deputy editor and chief reporter at WAtoday.Connect via X or email.AdvertisementAdvertisement