Inquest into the death of Daniel KING
Deceased
Daniel King
Demographics
33y, male
Coroner
Decision ofDeputy State Coroner Lee
Date of death
2019-10-02
Finding date
2022-07-22
Cause of death
multiple gunshot wounds to the head, trunk and limbs
AI-generated summary
Daniel King died following multiple gunshot wounds sustained during a police operation. He had acquired a firearm and attended three locations in western Sydney, discharging it before arriving at Penrith Police Station where he provoked officers to shoot him. Daniel had suffered a significant brain injury in 2010 resulting in chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), depression, personality changes, and previous suicide attempts. He was in crisis regarding complicated relationship situations and pregnancies. Police radio communications were hampered by volume and congestion. Officers who discharged firearms (Cole, Allen, Guinery, Hoffman) acted appropriately given the immediate threats they perceived. Critical learning includes: adequate mental health support and surveillance for high-risk individuals; improved police communications protocols during active incidents; and ensuring mental health professionals are informed of past suicide methodology statements.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes. Report an inaccuracy.
Specialties
Error types
Drugs involved
Clinical conditions
Contributing factors
- chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)
- traumatic brain injury (lateral medullary infarction 2010)
- depression and mood lability
- substance use disorder (cocaine, alprazolam, anabolic steroids)
- relationship dysfunction and financial stress
- multiple pregnancy situations
- intoxication and cognitive impairment
- firearm access
- absence of mental health follow-up despite prior suicidal ideation
Coroner's recommendations
- Consultation between ROG (Radio Operations Group) and Counter Terrorism Command regarding development of standard operating procedure specifically addressing attacks on police stations
- Continued improvements to ROG Dispatch SOPs to reduce unnecessary radio traffic during critical incidents
- Additional portable radios at police stations to ensure supervisors have independent communication capability
- Adequate ballistic protective equipment available at police stations
Full text
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