Lawyers acting for the families of police officers gunned down at a remote property west of Brisbane three years ago say they’ve launched legal action against the NSW and Queensland police for damages and psychological injuries.
Constables Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold were ambushed and killed by religious fanatics and conspiracy theorists Nathaniel, Gareth and Stacey Train at their Wieambilla property on December 12, 2022.
A five-week coronial inquest into their deaths was held last year, with Queensland State Coroner Terry Ryan delivering findings last month.
The families of Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold, led by Judy McCrow, outside Brisbane Magistrates Court after State Coroner Terry Ryan handed down his findings into the Wieambilla ambush.Credit: Cameron Atfield
The inquest heard evidence from NSW police, who admitted they failed to share potentially critical information with Queensland police ahead of the attack. Other witnesses shared knowledge of digital black spots affecting communication, and inadequate police resources and training.
Brandon & Gullo Personal Injury Lawyers said they had filed documents with the Supreme Court of Brisbane on behalf McCrow’s mother, Judy, her daughter, Samantha, and her stepfather, Andrew Keetley, as well as Arnold’s parents, Terrence and Suzanne, and his sister, Hayley, for damages for nervous shock (psychological injuries) suffered as a result of the murders.
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Solicitor Kirk Watterston said the families showed inconceivable strength by attending the inquest, where they heard testimony from NSW and Queensland police that they believe showed evidence of alleged negligence.
“Almost three years has passed since those tragic events took place on 12 December 2022, yet our clients continue to suffer from severe and debilitating psychological injuries,” he said.
“Based upon the evidence they observed throughout the inquest, our clients find it hard to understand or accept the findings that were recently given by the coroner.
