WA's Premier Roger Cook has described the murder of a Perth mother and daughter, who were shot dead in their own home by a 63-year-old man, as "chilling and horrific".
WARNING: This story contains details that may distress some readers.
The gunman, Mark James Bombara, went to the Berkeley Crescent home in Floreat searching for his ex-wife, who was believed to have been staying at the house, on Friday afternoon.
Instead he found the property owner, 59-year-old Jennifer Petelczyc, who was a friend of his ex-wife, and her 18-year-old daughter Gretl.
Bombara shot both women before he shot and killed himself, with police in attendance on the street at the time of the final gunshot.
Speaking on Perth radio station 6PR, Mr Cook described the killing as "senseless".
"This is a circumstance in which a woman has sought refuge from a friend," Mr Cook said.
"It would appear that as a result of that, that friend and her daughter have come to harm
"They're innocent people ... simply doing what we'd all want someone to do when we're facing difficult circumstances.
"By every measure it looks senseless, chilling and absolutely horrific.
"I think we need to take the opportunity today ... to reflect on it and think about how we can all continue to make the world a safer place."
'Society-wide issue'
Yesterday WA Police said the incident was technically not a domestic violence matter, as the victims and gunman were not related, but Mr Cook said more needed to be done to combat family violence.
"At the end of the day as you say, this is a community, society-wide issue, and we all need to stand as one to condemn family and domestic violence," he said.
Mr Cook said his government would provide support for both families affected by the incident.
"We'll continue to work with the police, who are in extensive contact with the families, and whatever help we can provide we will," Mr Cook said.
WA Police Detective Inspector David Gorton said the gunman was licensed to own a firearm in WA and was known to police, but had no history of violence.
He said investigations were ongoing and a report would be prepared for the Coroner.
Proposed new gun laws in Western Australia, touted as being the toughest in the country, are currently before parliament.
Cook government minister Reece Whitby said the incident made it clear reform was needed.
"It was an outrageous, horrible crime," Mr Whitby said.
"This man, if you could call him that, is a gutless, evil coward.
"Everyone knows what happened here — a man ... believed he had a right to harm and threaten women, and it was related to domestic violence.
"It is an outrage.
"Look at the picture of Jennifer and Gretl and tell me we don't need gun reform in Western Australia."
'Absolutely heartbreaking'
Gretl Petelczyc was a member of the University of Western Australia water polo squad, and her mother was a team manager.
Members of the team visited the family home on Sunday morning to lay tributes.
"They were the most kindest, light-hearted, beautiful people," team member Imogen Harris said.
"Jenny would rock up to water polo with chocolates for us every day.
"They were just the most gorgeous family. It's absolutely heartbreaking that this has happened."
Another team member, Imogen Greenhalgh, said they wanted to remember all the positive things the women did.
"We really want to remember them as the people that they were, rather than the whole incident or anything that's happened," she said.
"[We don't want to] think about that but just think about how beautiful they were as people, and the love they gave to everyone."
The team was part of a steady stream of people who visited the home on Sunday, with many leaving floral tributes for the pair.
'Tragic and sickening attack'
Family violence expert Jolene Ellat, who is the founder of the Domestic Abuse Resource and Training Group (DART), said the deaths highlight the dangers that many women face from violent men.
"It is a stark reminder of the lethal potential of domestic violence, including the extent to which an abuser will go to, to regain power and control," Ms Ellat said.
"Beyond whether this tragic and sickening attack and murders will be classed as domestic violence or not, it underscores the lethality that sits behind domestic violence.
"However the bigger issue is men's choice to use violence against women."
Ms Ellat said the incident highlights the need for further discussion around gun laws, with access to firearms enhancing the risks of serious violence.
She said women who had been threatened with a gun, or who had a partner who had access to one, were "20 times more likely to be murdered".
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2024-05-26 04:52:30Z
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