Sweeney, Michael Shawn
Deceased
Michael Shawn Sweeney
Demographics
42y, male
Date of death
2013-02-08
Finding date
2015-06-19
Cause of death
Gunshot wound to the head
AI-generated summary
Michael Sweeney, aged 42, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head on 8 February 2013 while on parole. He attended his ex-partner's home in violation of a Domestic Violence Order to see their infant son. After retrieving a firearm from his bag and becoming increasingly agitated, he exited the house with a witness and entered a vehicle while holding the gun to his head. Police approached and commanded him to drop the weapon, but he shot himself fatally before they could intervene. The coroner found police actions appropriate and timely, and that the death could not have been prevented. Relevant clinical concerns included possible untreated mental health issues (suspected schizophrenia), substance misuse (methamphetamine), and inadequate mental health service engagement despite parole officer referral discussions.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Specialties
Error types
Drugs involved
Clinical conditions
Contributing factors
- Untreated or inadequately managed mental health condition (suspected schizophrenia)
- Substance misuse (methamphetamine/amphetamine)
- Recent release from prison and difficulty reintegrating into community
- Deteriorating relationship with ex-partner
- Domestic Violence Order restricting contact with infant son
- Failure to engage with referred mental health services
- Presence of loaded firearm
- Stated determination to avoid returning to prison
Coroner's recommendations
- Findings to be referred to Queensland Police Commissioner and Secretary of the Australian Bravery Decorations Council for consideration of appropriate bravery and service awards for the police officers involved
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