Inquest into the disappearance and suspected death of Melissa CADDICK
Deceased
Melissa Caddick
Demographics
49y, female
Date of death
2020-11-12
Finding date
2023-05-25
Cause of death
Cannot be determined
AI-generated summary
Melissa Caddick, a financial advisor running a Ponzi scheme, disappeared on 12 November 2020 after ASIC executed a search warrant at her home. Her decomposed foot washed ashore 100 days later. Clinical lessons emerge: the investigative team initially dismissed homicide possibilities prematurely, failing to refer the case to the Homicide Squad despite a 'High Risk' assessment and concerns about her husband's credibility. CCTV canvassing was delayed, risking evidence loss. Forensic psychiatry indicated her narcissistic personality disorder made her vulnerable to suicide following 'severe narcissistic injury' from exposure. However, insufficient evidence prevents conclusive findings on cause and manner of death. Police should maintain open investigative minds early, particularly when risk assessments indicate serious possibilities, and ensure timely gathering of time-sensitive evidence.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Contributing factors
- ASIC search warrant execution revealing alleged fraud
- Financial and reputational crisis
- Narcissistic personality disorder with susceptibility to suicidal intent following severe shame
- Failure to early refer to Homicide Squad despite high risk assessment
- Delays in CCTV canvassing
- Lack of candour from spouse regarding circumstances
Coroner's recommendations
- That the Commissioner of Police consider further revising the Missing Persons Registry SOPs 2023 with a view to making clear the level of suspicion of homicide having occurred that is required in order to warrant notification to the Homicide Squad.
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