A Perth man who killed a mother and her 18-year-old daughter before taking his own life had become fixated on the breakdown of his marriage, an inquest has heard.
Mark James Bombara, 63, went to Jennifer Petelczyc’s home in Floreat on May 24, 2024, while searching for his estranged wife, Rowena. He shot Ms Petelczyc, 59, and her daughter Gretl before turning the gun on himself as police arrived.
Counsel assisting the coroner, Rachael Young, told the inquest Bombara had separated from his wife the previous month after an acrimonious breakdown in their marriage.
“Several witnesses described Mr Bombara as fixated on separation and being in disbelief about the marriage ending,” Ms Young said in her opening remarks.
Bombara was also seriously unwell, having suffered several strokes and having a 10cm cyst on his brain. His family said he became angrier, moody and at times “unhinged” after the strokes.
One of his daughters raised concerns about his mental state with medical staff in May 2024. Bombara told his doctor he wanted a mental health care plan and a possible referral to a psychiatrist, but denied having suicidal thoughts.
About the same time, Ms Petelczyc told Gretl that Rowena might come to their home and warned her not to let Bombara inside if he appeared.
When Bombara arrived on May 24 looking for Rowena, Ms Petelczyc called her and said he seemed strange and off. During the call, she said words to the effect of, “Oh shit, he’s come back,” before telling Gretl to hide.
Four emergency calls were made in the minutes that followed. A woman could be heard screaming during one of them, the inquest was told.
Bombara fired five shots. Police found Ms Petelczyc dead from two gunshot wounds to the head, while Bombara was in the same room, near the kitchen, with a single gunshot wound. A Glock handgun was found in the kitchen and dining area.
Gretl was found in the front hallway with her hands restrained by cable ties. She had suffered two gunshot wounds and was taken to hospital by paramedics, but later died.
The inquest will examine the police response to the emergency calls, allegations of family violence involving Bombara, how he was able to retain his gun licences and the medical care he received before the killings.
The inquest is continuing.
