Summary: Damien John Shaw, 56, is alleged to have killed his two children — 6-year-old Archie and 4-year-old Laura — at their southern Bali home on Sept. 13 and was later found dead in an apparent suicide. The children’s mother, who was away at the time, viewed the home’s CCTV feed and reportedly saw footage of Shaw chasing Laura as the child cried, "I love you, Daddy." Police say Archie was likely killed first and are appealing for witnesses and any additional footage as they continue the investigation.
CCTV Footage Shows Australian Father Allegedly Chasing 4-Year-Old Before Fatal Double Murder-Suicide in Bali
Damien John Shaw (left); the Bali, Indonesia home where his children were found dead.Credit: Linkedin; 7NEWS Australia/YouTube
An Australian man, identified by authorities as 56-year-old Damien John Shaw, allegedly killed his two children — 6-year-old Archie and 4-year-old Laura — in their southern Bali home on Sept. 13. Bali police say Shaw was later found dead at the scene in what investigators are treating as an apparent suicide.
How the Case Unfolded
According to local officials and multiple Australian outlets, the children’s mother was out of town when the incident occurred. She became alarmed after a phone call with Shaw was cut off and she heard her daughter crying before the line went silent. Concerned, she asked a worker to check on the family and remotely accessed the house’s CCTV feed.
What the CCTV Shows
Bali police spokesman Senior Commander Ariasandy told reporters the camera had initially been tilted downward. The mother adjusted the angle on her phone and watched footage that reportedly shows Shaw pursuing Laura around the house as the child cried, "I love you, Daddy." Police believe Archie had already been killed by the time Laura was chased and that Laura attempted to flee after witnessing the attack.
"It looks like he did it first to the son, and because [Laura] saw that, she was trying to escape," Senior Commander Ariasandy said, according to local reports.
A worker who later reached the property reportedly found the two children deceased, with Laura's body described as being atop Archie's.
Investigation and Community Response
Local police continue to investigate the circumstances and the timeline captured on the home’s security cameras. Authorities have not released details about the method used nor a confirmed motive, and they are appealing for anyone with additional information or footage to come forward to assist the inquiry.
Neighbours described the children fondly. "They were good, very kindly, very cute," one neighbour told the Sydney Morning Herald. Friends said Shaw had been struggling with his mental health after reportedly losing about $140,000 in a business venture, though police have not confirmed that as a motive.
Resources
If you are experiencing domestic violence or are in crisis, help is available. In the United States call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential; hotlines are available 24/7 in multiple languages. Local resources are available for residents of Indonesia and Australia.
Authorities continue to treat the case as a suspected murder-suicide as enquiries remain ongoing.
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