Details emerge after body found
A man’s body has been found after he tried to shoot the parents of his estranged wife.
Emergency services were called to Auburn in Sydney’s west just before 10pm on Tuesday after reports shots had been fired into a home during a domestic incident.
South West Metropolitan Region Commander Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden said the incident came after the man, 50, separated from his wife.
The woman had travelled from Victoria to take refuge with her parents about three weeks ago, he said.
“The family are from Victoria and the woman was seeking refuge (in Sydney) for a short time as part of planning separation from her husband,” he said at a press conference on Wednesday morning.
The man reportedly followed the woman, their 20-year-old son and 15-year-old daughter from Victoria to NSW.
The 50-year-old smashed the window of the Antwerp Street home and forced open the front door.
He didn’t enter the home but attempted to fire a gun at the woman’s father, who is in his 70s.
The gun didn’t operate, however, he then fired the gun at the woman’s mother, who is also aged in her 70s.
He successfully fired the gun, however it did not hit anyone inside.
“We’re very thankful at this stage that we don’t have another (domestic violence) related homicide on our hands,” Assistant Commissioner McFadden said.
“We’re working to understand the finer points and the timings. You would appreciate there’s a lot of shock and distress in the family at the moment, and the welfare support is going around the family to ensure that we’re providing everything humanly possible.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing sexual abuse or family violence contact:
National Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence Counselling Service 24-hour helpline 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732
24-hour Emergency Accommodation helpline on 1800 800 588
Safe At Home helpline on 1800 633 937
National Violence and Abuse Trauma Counselling and Recovery Service on 1800 FULLSTOP (1800 385 578). They also have a specific line for the LGBTIQA+ community called the Rainbow Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Helpline on 1800 497 212
SHE (free and confidential counselling and support) on 6278 9090
Sexual Assault Support Services on 6231 1811, or after hours 6231 1817
Family Violence Crisis and Support Service on 1800 608 122
Bravehearts – Sexual Assault Support for Children on 1800 BRAVE 1
Kids Helpline is for young people aged 5 to 25 on 1800 551 800
Don't go it alone. Please reach out for help by contacting Lifeline on 13 11 14
Men who have anger, relationship or parenting issues, should contact the Men's Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or the Don’t Become That Man helpline on 1300 243 413
The man then left the home and attempted to carjack a 56-year-old woman, who reported the incident to police.
He tried a second carjacking on Mona Street about 10.10pm where he shot a man in his 50s who was inside the car with his 15-year-old daughter.
The drivers shoulder and facial area was impacted by the shot, and his daughter called emergency services.
He was rushed to Westmead Hospital and is in a “serious but stable condition”.
The body of the 50-year-old man was later found in Duck Creek, Auburn, just after 2.15am on Wednesday.
A firearm was also found and seized for forensic examination.
Investigations remain ongoing, however the death is not being treated as suspicious.
Assistant Commissioner McFadden said the man did have criminal history in NSW in 1989 and 1990 but there has been nothing of concern since then.
A report will be prepared for the coroner, and there is no ongoing risk to the public.
Police have urged anyone with information to come forward.
Don't go it alone. Please reach out for help.
Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au
Headspace: 1800 650 890 or headspace.org.au
13YARN: Speak to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis supporter on 13 92 76 or visit 13yarn.org.au
Are you anxious? Take the Beyond Blue quiz to see how you’re tracking and whether you could benefit from support
