Inquest into the Suspected Death of Simon MARBIN
Deceased
Simon MARBIN
Demographics
57y, male
Date of death
1992-12-12
Finding date
2020-05-27
Cause of death
Unable to determine with clarity; open finding
AI-generated summary
Simon Marbin, a 57-year-old Aboriginal man, disappeared on 12 December 1992 from Bayulu Community while traveling to Muludja Community near Fitzroy Crossing, Western Australia. He was last seen after breakfast at Wally Smith's house and never returned. Extensive searches between the two communities by police, SES, local trackers, and helicopters found no trace of him. Community members believed something untoward had occurred, with rumors of murder and foul play, though no evidence was found to support specific theories. The coroner established death beyond reasonable doubt based on circumstantial evidence: Marbin had no reason to disappear, was valued for his skills, happy in his life and relationships, and the community's concern was genuine. However, without recovered remains or definitive evidence, the coroner made an open finding on cause and manner of death, unable to determine whether death resulted from accident, foul play, or other circumstances.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Contributing factors
- Disappearance between Bayulu and Muludja Communities
- Extensive searches conducted but no remains located
- Community rumors of foul play, murder, or payback
- Possible previous assault or injury (poorly healed ulna fracture noted 9 December 1992)
- Large area flooded in February 1993 potentially affecting evidence preservation
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