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Government of Western Australia State Coat of Arms
Coroner's Court of Western Australia

Government of Western Australia State Coat of Arms
Coroner's Court of Western Australia

Inquest Findings

Home →Inquest Findings→Inquest Findings 2020→Peta, Michael

Inquest into the Suspected Death of Michael PETA

Inquest into the Suspected Death of Michael PETA

Delivered on : 28 May 2020

Delivered at : Perth

Finding of : Coroner Vicker

Recommendations : N/A

Orders/Rules : N/A

Suppression Order : N/A

Summary : On 15 January 1975 Mr Peta was offered a bed at the Roman Catholic Presbytery pending being able to access temporary accommodation elsewhere. Mr Peta was observed to have settled down to sleep in one of the bedrooms. Mr Peta was never seen again.

On the morning of 15 January 1975 Mr Peta was seen to be agitated and advised that he was worried for his personal safety. Mr Peta advised also he was anxious about his accommodation and so he was told he could go to the Presbytery. Mr Peta attended a house he had been living at in Broome to collect his belongings. At approximately midday Mr Peta attended at the Presbytery with his personal effects and it was believed Mr Peta was going to lie down and sleep as that was what he said he intended to do. Mr Peta made no mention of leaving Broome, although he had said he might go and sleep in the bush.

The disappearance of Mr Peta was reported to Broome Police on 31 January 1975.

The Coroner was satisfied beyond all reasonable doubt Mr Peta is deceased following his disappearance the Roman Catholic Presbytery on 15 January 1975. The Coroner determine Mr Peta died of unknown causes and made an Open Finding as to how death occurred.

Catch Words : Long Term Missing Person : Remote Area : Open Finding


Last updated: 13-Jul-2020

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