Bali Murder-Suicide: Father Described as Arrogant, Called Children 'Stupid'
Australian man Damien John Shaw, who died with his two young children in Bali, reportedly belittled them and displayed high anxiety.
An Australian man, Damien John Shaw, who is believed to have murdered his two young children before taking his own life in Bali, was described by a family friend as arrogant and prone to belittling his children, according to reports.
Shaw, 56, from Western Australia, was found dead on Sunday morning in their Kuta bungalow alongside his six-year-old son Archie and four-year-old daughter Laura. The discovery came three days after the children's mother, Tessa Yanuar, had traveled to Jakarta.
Sources close to the family told Nine News that Shaw was heavily involved in the children's daily lives, taking them to school, picking them up, and delivering their lunches. However, the same source characterized him as "very arrogant, talkative and tough on his children." The friend recalled Shaw telling school staff that Archie was "stupid," despite the boy being described by school staff as good and obedient.
Shaw reportedly made similar remarks about his daughter Laura to staff at her kindergarten. "The staff all thought Archie was a very good boy who always did what he was told," the friend said. "Yet for the father, it was never enough."
Denpasar Police Chief Senior Commissioner Leonardo D Simatupang stated that while the children's mother told police their relationship had been fine recently, Shaw was "very emotional and had a high level of anxiety." He added that Shaw had experienced suicidal thoughts but had not sought professional treatment.
Another friend told the Daily Mail that Shaw had been struggling with depression for six months after losing approximately $300,000 in a failed Japanese real estate deal. This friend recounted Shaw expressing a desire to "pull the pin," which the friend interpreted as suicidal intent, and stated he had urged Shaw not to do anything drastic.
The police initially stated that the couple had argued in 2022, following the birth of Laura, and their relationship had not been harmonious since. However, the wife's statement to police indicated a more recent period of accord.
Following the deaths, the children's mother requested that no autopsies be performed, and the bodies were buried in a Muslim cemetery in Denpasar on Monday. Balinese forensic investigator Dr. Henky stated that the family's decision was based on the belief that the perpetrator had already died, rendering legal action impossible. Police retain the option to seek a court order for autopsies if deemed necessary.
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