Police in Bali are investigating after an Australian man and his two young children were found dead inside their bungalow in the popular tourist area of Kuta.
Damien John Shaw, 56, and his six-year-old son and four-year-old daughter were found inside the family’s property on Sunday morning. The circumstances surrounding the three deaths remain under investigation, with authorities saying the cause and manner of death have not yet been formally established.
Fast Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Kuta, Bali, Indonesia |
| Man | Damien John Shaw, 56 |
| Children | Boy, 6; girl, 4 |
| Discovery | Sunday morning, Sept. 13, 2026 |
| Property | Family bungalow |
| Family’s Bali residence | Leased since 2022 |
| Wife | In Jakarta when deaths were discovered |
| Investigation | Bali/Denpasar police |
| Current status | Cause and manner of death not yet formally established |
| Next steps | Autopsy, forensic examination, CCTV review and witness interviews |
| Australian assistance | DFAT providing consular assistance |
Australian media have reported that police are investigating the case as a suspected murder-suicide. Indonesian authorities, however, have not publicly confirmed that conclusion and are carrying out further forensic examinations.
Wife Raised the Alarm From Jakarta
The discovery followed a phone call between Shaw and his wife, who was away from Bali at the time.
According to police and Australian reports, Shaw’s wife became concerned after hearing one of the children crying during the call.
The call was then disconnected, and she was unable to reach her husband again.
She contacted a neighbour in Kuta and asked them to check on the family.
The wife had reportedly travelled to Jakarta several days earlier, with ABC reporting that she was still in the Indonesian capital when the deaths were discovered.
Neighbours Forced Their Way Into the Bungalow
After repeated knocks received no response, the neighbour contacted other local residents and the local community head.
They eventually forced their way into the property.
Inside, they found Shaw and his two children dead.
Australian reports said the welfare check took place at around 10:14 a.m. local time on Sunday, although authorities are still establishing the full sequence of events.
Police subsequently secured the property as investigators began examining the scene.
Police Have Not Yet Confirmed the Cause of Death
The investigation is still at an early stage.
Bali police have said they have not yet determined the official cause or manner of death and that further examinations are required.
The bodies were taken to Sanglah Hospital, also known as Professor Ngoerah Hospital in Denpasar, for further examination and autopsy procedures.
Investigators are also processing the crime scene and reviewing available evidence.
Police said they are examining CCTV footage from inside and outside the property and interviewing witnesses as part of the investigation.
That means reports describing the deaths as a murder-suicide should currently be treated as an investigative theory rather than an established finding.
Family Had Lived in Kuta Since 2022
Bali Provincial Police said the family had leased the bungalow in Kuta since 2022.
Shaw was originally from Fremantle in Western Australia.
His death, along with those of his two children, has prompted a response from Australian authorities.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was providing consular assistance to the family of the three Australians who died.
“We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time,” a DFAT spokesperson said.
The department said it could not provide further details because of privacy obligations.
Wife Is in Deep Shock and Grief
Police have spoken with Shaw’s wife, but investigators said her condition has limited the amount of information they have been able to obtain from her.
Denpasar City Police First Police Inspector I Gede Adi Saputra Jaya said she remained in deep shock and grief.
Investigators are continuing to work to establish what happened inside the bungalow before the bodies were discovered.
The forensic examination and witness interviews are expected to be important parts of determining how the three people died.
Western Australia Premier Calls Case ‘Very Confronting’
Western Australia Premier Roger Cook said the news was deeply distressing.
He described the situation as “very confronting” and expressed sympathy for everyone affected.
“This is a very sad situation; our hearts go out to everyone involved,” Cook said.
He also said authorities hoped to establish what had happened as quickly as possible.
The Australian government has remained in contact with Indonesian authorities through its consular channels.
What Happens Next in the Bali Investigation?
The immediate focus is on the forensic examination of the three bodies and the Kuta property.
Police are expected to review CCTV footage, interview people who knew the family and examine other evidence recovered from the scene.
The autopsies should also help investigators determine the official causes of death.
Until those examinations are completed, authorities have not publicly confirmed exactly how Shaw or either of his children died.
The case therefore remains an active investigation, despite reports that police are considering a murder-suicide scenario.
FAQs
Who was found dead in Bali?
Australian man Damien John Shaw, 56, and his six-year-old son and four-year-old daughter were found dead inside their bungalow in Kuta.
Where did the deaths happen?
The three were found inside the family’s bungalow in Kuta, a popular tourist area of Bali.
What happened before the bodies were discovered?
Shaw’s wife reportedly called the family and became concerned after hearing one of the children crying. After the call was disconnected and she could not reach her husband, she contacted a neighbour.
Are police treating the case as a murder-suicide?
Australian media have reported that police are investigating a suspected murder-suicide, but Indonesian police have said the cause and manner of death have not yet been formally determined.
What are Bali police doing now?
Investigators are conducting forensic examinations, reviewing CCTV footage and interviewing witnesses. The bodies have also been taken for further examination.
Is the Australian government involved?
Yes. Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has confirmed it is providing consular assistance to the family.
