NSW Police have revealed how they nearly had another tragic domestic violence-related homicide on their hands, after a shot was fired into an Auburn home last night.
NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden said just before 10pm last night a 50-year-old male attended an address in Antwerp Street, Auburn, where his 50-year-old wife and 20-year-old son and 15-year-old daughter were staying.
The 50-year-old woman and her children had come up from Victoria to seek refuge with her parents, both aged in their 70’s, as part of a planned separation from the 50-year-old male after 23 years of marriage.
McFadden said the male become enraged at the address, smashing the front window of the premises and forcing open the front doors, but did not enter the premises.
“He’s removed a handgun and pointed it at the male aged in his 70’s, being the father of the victim inside,” he added.
“He’s fired the firearm, it did not operate, he’s then turned the handgun towards the woman aged in her 70’s and a shot was discharged in the premises. It did not hit anyone inside, the male then left.”
After leaving the address, the man attempted to carjack a 56-year-old woman driving in the immediate area, but she did not stop. The woman then alerted the police.
Shortly after, the 50-year-old male attempted another carjacking, this time being driven by a male in his mid-50’s, who had his 15-year-old daughter in his front passenger seat.
The driver was then shot by the man, the bullet impacting his right shoulder and face. He is currently in a serious but stable condition in hospital.
The search by NSW Police for the 50-year-old male continued into the early hours of this morning
The vehicle that was being used by man was later located in a nearby park. At around 2:15am, the body of the deceased male was found in Duck Creek, Auburn.
A firearm was also located at the scene and seized for forensic examination.
“I’m very thankful that we are not looking at another tragic domestic violence-related homicide,” McFadden said.
“In this case, the matter that we’re dealing with in Auburn, the history and the background of this family, albeit from interstate, would not have been on our radar.
“This is the real challenge for domestic violence in NSW, it’s trying to ensure that we are doing everything humanly possible with the information that is available to us to keep our victims and community safe.”
McFadden added that support is being provided to the family.
While the investigation is ongoing, the man’s death isn’t being treated as suspicious and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.
Anyone with information in relation to the incident is urged to contact Auburn Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence help can be found via 1800RESPECT or 1800 737 732. In an emergency call 000.
Ellie Busby is a news reporter for Western Sydney Publishing Group. A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire and Western Sydney University, she is a journalism Major. Ellie has worked with Universal Media, The Cova Project and for a range of other organisations. In 2024, Ellie was named Young Writer of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.