Inquest into the Death of Nathan Barreto SEXTON

31y · Male·Gunshot injury to the head and neck (self-inflicted)

Nathan Barreto Sexton, 31 years old, died by suicide on 21 October 2023 near Merredin, Western Australia, from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head and neck. Prior to his death, he had committed serious armed offences including carjacking and attempted unlawful killing. Police conducted a low-speed intercept following his vehicle. When Mr Sexton stopped his car, police found him unresponsive in the driver's seat with a shotgun. Officers immediately commenced CPR and called an ambulance, but he could not be revived. The coroner found that police actions were justified, lawful, and compliant with policy. The death was not caused or contributed to by police conduct. No clinical errors were identified as this was not a medical death occurring within a healthcare setting.