Floreat gunman's GP unaware of warning signs before 2024 murders
Mark Bombara's doctor says she saw no red flags in five appointments before he killed two women and himself in May 2024.
An inquest heard that Mark Bombara's GP missed serious warning signs before the attack. Bombara, 63, shot Jennifer Petelczyc and her 18-year-old daughter Gretl at their Perth home on May 24, 2024, then took his own life.
Dr Arwen Boyle, Bombara's doctor, saw him five times in the months before and said she saw no red flags. Bombara had sent an email in late March saying he'd had a stroke and wouldn't "be around for much longer".
Dr Boyle asked about thoughts of self-harm or suicide, which he denied. She was unaware his family had raised concerns about his behaviour or that his ex-wife had told his previous GP his condition had worsened.
The inquest is examining police response, family violence claims, and whether Bombara should have been licensed to own 13 firearms.
Why it mattersThe hearing reveals gaps in how doctors share mental health concerns across practices, and raises questions about when firearm licences should be reviewed.
AustraliaThe inquest may lead to changes in how Australian GPs communicate mental health risks and how states handle firearm licences when a person's condition deteriorates.
