An Australian father and his two young children were found dead in a Bali villa in what police are treating as a suspected murder-suicide. Damien John Shaw, 56, from Fremantle, Western Australia, was discovered in the villa on Sunday morning, according to local reports.
Shaw was found without clothing alongside his six-year-old son and four-year-old daughter inside their Kuta bungalow. A police source told the Daily Mail that Shaw had been renting the villa with his family since their daughter was born in 2022, with their lease set to expire in 2029. The incident occurred approximately four days after Shaw's wife traveled to Jakarta.
Shaw's wife reportedly called him on Sunday morning and heard their daughter cry out, "Stop, Daddy," before the call disconnected. When subsequent calls went unanswered, she contacted the bungalow manager to request a welfare check. Staff and neighbors entered the villa and discovered the bodies.
Authorities believe Shaw may have smothered the children and placed their bodies on top of each other before taking his own life. No weapons were found at the scene. Investigators seized six mobile phones and three iPads from the villa.
The bodies were transported to Prof Ngoerah Hospital in Denpasar for autopsies to determine the exact causes of death. Shaw's wife has since returned to Bali.
According to his LinkedIn profiles, Shaw was a maritime worker with 37 years of experience, holding an integrated rating position that combines deck and engine duties on commercial ships.
Bali Regional Police Senior Commander Ariasandy stated that the case is under investigation. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed it is providing consular assistance to the family, offering condolences during this difficult time. Due to privacy obligations, further comment was not provided.