Australian father allegedly kills two children before suicide in Bali

In a shocking murder-suicide at the Arca Bungalow complex in Legian, Bali, Damien John Shaw is alleged to have smothered his four-year-old daughter and six-year-old son before ending his own life. The incident came to light when his wife, who had traveled to Jakarta, received a phone call from Shaw in which she could hear their daughter crying, "stop Daddy," before the call ended. Bungalow staff forced open the door and found the children’s bodies stacked on the floor alongside Shaw.

A close friend, who met Shaw a week before the event, recounted that Shaw had spoken about severe financial pressure from a failed overseas venture, marital problems, and a desire to die, despite being a devoted parent who never drank or used drugs. The friend offered support, suggesting they train together or meet on the beach, but Shaw left for a bookstore and never returned. The tragedy has left the Shaw family’s Perth community in shock, with relatives and neighbours describing the family as private and noting a history of personal loss.