Inquest into the Deaths of Terry James CZERNOWSKI and Lachlan Richard Francis BOWLES
Deceased
Lachlan Richard Francis Bowles and Terry James Czernowski
Demographics
25y, male
Date of death
2023-09-07
Finding date
2026-03-30
Cause of death
Gunshot injury to the head (Lachlan); gunshot injuries to head and chest (Terry)
AI-generated summary
On 7 September 2023, 25-year-old Lachlan Richard Francis Bowles shot his 44-year-old workmate Terry James Czernowski at Moylan Grain Silos in Kellerberrin, causing Terry's death from gunshot injuries to the head and chest. Lachlan then fled to a nearby wheatfield where he barricaded himself with four licensed firearms. The Western Australian Police Tactical Response Group deployed and conducted nearly five hours of skilled negotiations, during which Lachlan surrendered three weapons but retained a rifle. At 4:20 PM, Lachlan shot himself in the head. The coroner found that police actions did not cause or contribute to Lachlan's death and that all responding officers acted appropriately and professionally. Post-mortem psychiatric assessment found Lachlan likely had undiagnosed autism spectrum disorder and was experiencing severe depression and anxiety with suicidal ideation. No clear motive for shooting Terry was established. The coroner recommended WA Police develop enhanced mental health training and support for TRG negotiators.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Drugs involved
Clinical conditions
Contributing factors
- undiagnosed autism spectrum disorder
- severe depression and anxiety
- repeated rejections by Australian Defence Force and police
- suicidal ideation
- access to licensed firearms
Coroner's recommendations
- WA Police should consult with suitably qualified mental health clinicians to determine what additional mental health training should be delivered to TRG negotiators beyond Gatekeeper and Lifeline training
- WA Police should explore whether mental health specialists could provide remote or command post advisory support to TRG negotiators during complex incidents involving mental health issues
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