A devastating incident in Bali has left a family and community shocked after an Australian father allegedly killed his two young children before taking his own life. Police said security camera footage captured the disturbing final moments, including the father chasing his 4-year-old daughter through the family home.
The children, identified as 4-year-old Laura and 6-year-old Archie, were found dead alongside their 56-year-old father, Damien John Shaw, at a property in southern Bali on September 13, 2026.
Mother Heard Her Daughter Crying During Phone Call
The children’s mother was reportedly away from the home when she became concerned during a phone conversation with Shaw. According to reports, the call suddenly ended after she heard her daughter crying.
Worried about what was happening inside the property, the mother accessed the home’s CCTV system. Police said one of the cameras had been moved or pointed away, but she was able to adjust its position remotely.
She then reportedly witnessed Shaw pursuing Laura inside the house. The child was heard crying out to her father while attempting to get away.
Police Believe Boy Was Killed First
Bali police have indicated that Archie may have already been killed before Laura was chased through the house.
Senior police spokesman Ariasandy said investigators believed Laura may have witnessed what happened to her brother and then attempted to escape. A worker later discovered the children’s bodies after being asked to check the property by their mother.
Reports said Laura was found on top of her brother’s body when the worker entered the home.
Investigation Continues Into Father’s Death
Shaw, 56, was also found dead at the property, with authorities treating his death as suicide following the deaths of his children.
A friend reportedly said Shaw had been experiencing financial difficulties and had recently lost about $140,000 in a business venture. However, the circumstances surrounding the killings and what led to the tragedy remain part of the ongoing investigation.
The deaths have prompted renewed attention to the devastating impact that family violence and personal crises can have on children and relatives. Authorities continue to examine the available CCTV footage and other evidence as they work to establish the full sequence of events.
