Australian Father, Two Children Found Dead in Suspected Murder-Suicide in Bali

Australian Father, Two Children Found Dead in Suspected Murder-Suicide in Bali

An Australian man and his two young children have been found dead inside their bungalow in Kuta, Bali, in a suspected murder-suicide being investigated by Indonesian police.

The victims were identified as 56-year-old Damien John Shaw, his six-year-old son and his four-year-old daughter. Their bodies were discovered on September 13, 2026, after neighbours were alerted by Shaw’s wife, who was in Jakarta at the time.

According to reports, Shaw’s wife raised the alarm after a disturbing phone call with her husband during which she heard her daughter crying and pleading, “Stop, Daddy.” The call reportedly ended abruptly, and she was unable to reach her family afterward.

She contacted a neighbour to check on them. Residents and local community members subsequently forced their way into the bungalow, where they found the three bodies.

Police said preliminary findings indicated that the children had died from acts of violence, while Shaw was believed to have died by hanging. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

Denpasar City Police official I Gede Adi Saputra Jaya said officers had spoken with Shaw’s wife but that the process was limited by her state of shock and grief.

Reports also indicated that the couple had experienced marital difficulties for years, with Shaw’s wife telling police she had moved to her parents’ home about two weeks before the incident.

Neighbours in Perth, Australia, where the family previously lived, described them as a private and peaceful family.

Police are reviewing CCTV footage and gathering witness statements as investigations continue.

Australian Father, Two Children Found Dead in Suspected Murder-Suicide in Bali