Coroner's Finding: Tevita (David) Taufahema
Deceased
Tevita (David) Taufahema
Demographics
18y, male
Date of death
2009-09-01
Finding date
2012-02-24
Cause of death
gunshot wound to the head
AI-generated summary
David Taufahema, 18 years old, was fatally shot in the head by Senior Constable Simon Ross during a police response to an armed robbery at the Canley Heights Hotel, Canley Heights, NSW on 1 September 2009. Taufahema and a juvenile accomplice held up the hotel, took the manager hostage at gunpoint, and threatened to shoot him. When police arrived, Taufahema emerged from the hotel holding the hostage with a loaded pistol to his head. Despite repeated police commands to drop weapons and release the hostage, Taufahema continued advancing toward the officers. Senior Constable Parkin fired at the accomplice's weapon, and moments later Senior Constable Ross fired at Taufahema, striking him fatally. The coroner found both officers acted properly and bravely in an extremely dangerous, fast-moving situation created entirely by Taufahema's criminal conduct. No recommendations were made.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Contributing factors
- armed robbery initiated by deceased and accomplice
- hostage taken and held at gunpoint
- failure to comply with police commands to drop weapons and release hostage
- deceased continued advancing toward police while threatening hostage
- apparent willingness to use loaded firearm
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