An Australian father, identified as 56-year-old maritime worker Damien John Shaw, died by suicide in a Bali villa on Sunday after allegedly killing his six-year-old son and four-year-old daughter. Police discovered the bodies inside the villa near Kuta around 10:14 a.m. local time.
Shaw's wife, who was in Jakarta for a planned trip, raised the alarm after speaking with her husband by phone and hearing their daughter cry out, "Stop, Daddy," before the call abruptly ended. She attempted to call back with no success and subsequently contacted the bungalow manager to request a welfare check.
A friend of Shaw's told media that the father had been suffering from depression for the past six months, stemming from a significant financial loss of over $300,000 on an overseas property investment. During their last conversation approximately ten days prior, Shaw reportedly confessed to feeling suicidal and stated he was ready to "pull the pin." The friend recounted begging Shaw not to do anything rash and offered his support.
Police reported that no weapons were found at the scene, and all three bodies were located in the same bedroom. It is believed Shaw smothered the children and then took his own life. The bodies were transported to Prof Ngoerah Hospital in Denpasar for autopsies to determine the exact causes of death. Shaw's wife reportedly traveled to Bali on Monday to identify the bodies.
Investigators are examining the family's circumstances, including the possibility of marital issues. Shaw and his wife had been renting the bungalow since their daughter was born in 2022, with their lease set to expire in 2029. Police seized multiple mobile phones and iPads from the villa, which was subsequently sealed off as a crime scene.
Shaw had a 37-year career in the maritime industry. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed it is providing consular assistance to the family and extended condolences.
