Overview

• WA Police admitted to critical failures in responding to warnings from Ariel Bombara and her mother about the danger posed by Mark Bombara before he murdered two women in May 2024.
• Mark Bombara, who legally owned 13 firearms, killed Jennifer Petelczyc and her 18-year-old daughter Gretl while searching for his estranged wife and daughter, then took his own life.
• An internal report revealed eight officers failed to perform their duties, including not conducting proper risk assessments or seizing Bombara’s firearms despite clear red flags.
• The investigation resulted in 18 recommendations, including stricter firearms laws, mandatory mental health checks for gun owners, and enhanced domestic violence training for police officers.
• WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch acknowledged systemic issues, including outdated policies and insufficient training, and confirmed disciplinary action against the officers, though none were dismissed.