Perth, Australia – The tragic shooting of a mother and daughter in their own home in Perth has prompted calls for further reforms to Western Australia’s gun laws, according to Premier Roger Cook. The incident, which occurred on Friday, resulted in the deaths of Jennifer Petelczyc, 59, and her daughter Gretl, 18, at the hands of Mark James Bombara, a licensed firearm owner.
Bombara, who was reportedly searching for his ex-wife at the Petelczyc’s Floreat residence, ultimately took the lives of the mother and daughter before taking his own life. Premier Cook expressed the government’s commitment to exploring additional measures to strengthen proposed firearm legislation in response to the tragedy.
The Premier highlighted the need for understanding in cases like this and emphasized the importance of equipping law enforcement with the necessary tools to address such situations effectively. The focus is on ensuring that existing laws are robust enough to provide support to individuals in distress while also preventing such tragedies from occurring.
The murders, labeled as acts of domestic violence by Minister Sabine Winton, sparked discussions on the effectiveness of current gun laws in addressing issues related to family and domestic violence. The proposal for stringent firearm legislation in the state, aimed at preventing such incidents, is currently under consideration in Parliament.
Further considerations are being made to enhance the laws and empower law enforcement agencies to intervene effectively in deteriorating situations. The tragic event has also prompted discussions on the need for increased monitoring and support for victims of family and domestic violence, with promises of legislative action to mandate the use of GPS tracking for offenders in the near future.
The broader impact of reducing the number of firearms in the community on the safety of women has been a focal point in discussions following the incident. Calls for increased resources and support for victims of violence, along with measures to prevent such heinous acts, are gaining traction in the wake of the tragedy.
In response to the heartbreaking loss, the University of Western Australia extended its condolences to the friends and family of the victims, acknowledging the profound impact of the tragedy on the community. The UWA community mourns the loss of Gretl, a dedicated student and talented athlete, as they grapple with the aftermath of the senseless violence that claimed her life.