Racism hindered NSW police investigation into the 1988 death of Indigenous teenager Mark Haines, inquest found
Summary
A coroner found that racism and poor police work affected the investigation into the 1988 death of Indigenous teenager Mark Haines in New South Wales. The initial police ruled his death a suicide quickly, but the inquiry showed flaws and bias, recommending further investigation.Key Facts
- Mark Haines, a 17-year-old Indigenous teenager, died in 1988 after being found on train tracks near Tamworth, NSW.
- Police initially said Mark died by suicide and did not thoroughly test the car or train involved.
- The coroner said the police investigation was deeply flawed and influenced by racism present at the time.
- The theory of local boxer Eddie Davis’s involvement was dismissed as an unproven rumor.
- The coroner believes that people connected to the case may know more but have not come forward.
- The family has long suspected foul play and believed the investigation would have been different if Mark was not Indigenous.
- A smoking ceremony was held before the court findings, and the family expressed ongoing grief and desire for justice.
- The coroner recommended that the case be reopened for further investigation, including DNA testing of evidence found near the tracks.
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