Inquest reveals gunman's fixation on ex-wife before Perth double murder
Mark James Bombara killed a mother and daughter while searching for his ex-wife, showing warning signs of mental crisis.
An inquest into a Perth double murder has heard that the gunman was fixated on his failed marriage. Mark James Bombara, 63, shot Jennifer Petelczyc, 59, and her daughter Gretl, 18, at their home on May 24, 2024.
Mark James Bombara was searching for his ex-wife Rowena when he arrived at the house. Bombara had separated from his wife shortly before the killings, and the separation was acrimonious.
His family observed he became angrier, moodier, and at times unhinged after suffering several strokes, and he had a 10cm cyst on his brain. In May 2024, one of his daughters raised concerns about his mental state to medical staff.
He shot Jennifer twice in the head and Gretl twice in the hallway after cable-tying her hands. He turned the gun on himself as police arrived.
- May 24, 2024, Floreat home in Perth
- Date and place
- 10cm cyst on brain, multiple strokes
- Brain condition
Why it mattersThe inquest is examining whether warning signs were missed and whether the systems meant to protect people from family violence and gun licence holders in crisis worked as intended.
AustraliaThe case will review how Australian authorities handle mental health risks in gun licence holders and respond to family violence warnings, potentially informing policy changes.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 14 h ago
