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Government of Western Australia State Coat of Arms
Coroner's Court of Western Australia

Government of Western Australia State Coat of Arms
Coroner's Court of Western Australia

Inquest Findings

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Inquest into the Death of Child MA

Delivered on: 23 July 2026

Delivered at: Perth

Finding of: Brendyn Dean Nelson

Recommendations: No

Orders/Rules: No

Suppression Order: Yes

SUPPRESSION ORDER

There be no publication of the name of, or any evidence likely to lead to the identification of, the deceased, including the names of the deceased’s siblings and parents.

The deceased is to be referred to as Child MA.

Order made by SH Linton, A/State Coroner (30/06/2026)

Summary:

Child MA was a 15-year-old Ngadju Noongar boy who died on 1 October 2023 following a vehicle rollover near Kanowna, Western Australia. At the time of his death, he was in the care of the Department of Communities and living at Whitlock House, a Life Without Barriers family group home. The Coroner determined that Child MA died from multiple injuries and found that his death was the result of unlawful homicide.

The inquest found that Child MA received generally reasonable and appropriate care and supervision while in care. The Coroner also considered the circumstances leading up to his death and identified opportunities to improve support for Aboriginal children in care, particularly in relation to cultural connection and family engagement in care planning and decision-making.

Catch Words: Child Death, Unlawful Homicide, Child in Care


Last updated: 4 August 2026

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