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Perth gunman’s daughter apologises to family of women murdered while he hunted his estranged wife – and delivers devastating verdict on father: ‘He was a devious, ruthless manipulator’
Mark James Bombara’s daughter has told a Western Australian inquest that her father was a manipulative abuser who killed Jennifer Petelczyc and her daughter Gretl while searching for his estranged wife. Ariel Bombara apologised to the women’s surviving family and said their deaths should prompt action on family and domestic violence.
The inquest heard Bombara, 63, shot the women at their Perth home on 24 May 2024, then killed himself; his wife, Rowena, was not there. Ariel criticised police for allowing him to keep 13 firearms despite warnings about his mental state and potential violence. The couple had been married for 35 years and separated about a month before the killings; the coroner’s findings are pending.
In short
- Mark Bombara’s daughter condemned his abuse and the killings.
- He killed two women while searching for his estranged wife.
- The inquest heard he retained 13 firearms despite warnings.
Explained simply
A Western Australian inquest examines the deaths of Jennifer Petelczyc and her daughter, Gretl, who were killed at their home in Perth in May 2024. The gunman, Mark James Bombara, died at the scene; his estranged wife, Rowena, was not there.
The couple had been married for 35 years and had separated about a month earlier. The inquest is considering the circumstances around the killings, including concerns raised about Bombara’s mental state and access to firearms.
The case has drawn attention to how authorities respond to warnings about family and domestic violence and potential danger. A coroner will set out findings after the inquest.