WA Police's handling of the Floreat murders case has come under fire following the release of damning internal investigation findings, drawing attention to the serious failures of officers leading up to the tragic events. The case revolves around Mark Bombara, who, last May, killed his wife's best friend, Jennifer Petelczyc, and her teenage daughter, Gretl, after weeks of alarming warnings about his violent behavior.
Ariel Bombara, the daughter of the murderer, made poignant remarks addressing the police’s response during a press conference, underscoring the dire consequences of police negligence. She emotionally questioned, "Where would we be today if murderer Mark Bombara had barged through a different door last May?" These haunting words echo the harsh reality of domestic violence, bringing to light the alarming statistics and societal indifference surrounding such issues.
WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch stated, following the investigation, eight officers had failed to carry out their duties properly, particularly by not issuing protective police orders against Bombara or seizing his firearms. "They [the officers] made the wrong decision here at various times... I believe in the officers," Blanch claimed, reflecting on the deep and troubling failures within the system.
The investigation revealed the officers ignored several red flags communicated by Ariel Bombara, who had previously warned about her father’s dangerous possession of firearms and history of violence. Ariel expressed her disbelief and sorrow with stark clarity: "So did you not believe us, or did you just not give a shit?" This pointed question underlines the frustrations and fears many survivors share when seeking help.
Despite the WA government’s efforts and significant funding directed toward addressing family and domestic violence, systemic issues remain rampant. Ariel Bombara criticized the police for appearing apathetic, saying, "It baffles me...actual police officers, whose job it is to protect people, did not take this risk seriously." The failure of the officers reflects not only on individual negligence but also on broader systemic issues within law enforcement and domestic violence prevention frameworks.
While the report acknowledged the urgency for improved practices, it found no officers were dismissed, citing the system itself as the underlying issue rather than individual accountability. Blanch emphasized, "One of the things I didn't provide them was a system where they could make a correct risk assessment." This admission drives home the need for extensive reform within police training and operational protocols.
With the impact of the Floreat murders rippling through the community, Ariel’s calls for change resonate deeply. She referenced the various forms of domestic violence beyond firearms, stating, "We know most domestic violence homicides don’t involve guns." She lamented how many cases go unnoticed and unaddressed, urging for comprehensive reform to prevent such tragedies from recurring.
Her message was clear, carrying the weight of personal loss and advocacy. She stated, "I hope everyone can learn from this horrific crime... because it's not just on police, it is on our government and our communities and on us as individuals to help tackle this." This rallying cry for collective responsibility echoes through Western Australia, emphasizing the need for community involvement and governmental accountability.
Finally, Ariel Bombara’s parting statement—"Believe women"—serves as not just advice but a necessary mandate for change. Her conviction emphasizes the urgent need for society to listen to and empower victims of domestic violence. This case is more than just police failures—it's about lives, families, and the unyielding hope for improvement. The findings from this tragic case illuminate the path toward necessary reforms, showcasing the weight of collective engagement and promise of real change.