NSW Police Admit Error in Claim About Man Shot Dead
During the inquest into the fatal shooting of Steve Pampalian, it was revealed that a statement made by the NSW police assistant commissioner, claiming Pampalian was "known to police," was incorrect. The coroner confirmed that Pampalian was not known to police prior to the incident.
Steve Pampalian, aged 41, was fatally shot three times by a police officer in the driveway of his home on a quiet street in North Willoughby, Sydney, on 25 May 2023. The shooting occurred after Pampalian experienced a psychotic episode and ran at the officer wielding two knives.
Pampalian was the second of four vulnerable individuals who died in separate incidents involving police in consecutive months during 2023. These cases have led to increased scrutiny of police responses to mental health crises.
Assistant Commissioner Leanne McCusker initially told reporters during the first press conference that Pampalian was "known to police." She stated,
"Yes, he is known to police. But I would probably describe that as quite minimal."
However, at the inquest on Friday, Detective Inspector Trent Power confirmed that Pampalian had no criminal history and that the earlier comments were inaccurate. The deputy state coroner, Kasey Pearce, responded,
"That's very unfortunate."
Following Pampalian's death, his family requested a retraction of the statement, expressing concern that it portrayed him as a criminal. When Australia inquired about this request in September 2023, the police force declined to comment due to the ongoing investigation.
‘Gentle Giant with a Calm Presence’
On Thursday, the inquest heard testimony from Assistant Professor and forensic psychiatry expert Danny Sullivan. He concluded that Pampalian likely developed psychosis over approximately six months. Neither his close family nor his doctor had noticed any unusual behavior, and he had no prior history of psychosis.
Sullivan explained that Pampalian’s psychosis, which manifested as religious delusions, was unrelated to his anxiety disorder. Pampalian had been taking a daily antidepressant for anxiety since 2014.
On Friday, Pampalian’s brother, Eddie, described him as a
"gentle giant with a calm presence"and the
"star in the eyes"of his two nieces. Eddie acknowledged Pampalian’s anxiety but noted it only ever presented as panic attacks, even at its worst.
At 10:30 a.m. on the day of the shooting, Pampalian’s parents left the house. They reported that he appeared normal and believed he was off work due to the flu.
Multiple neighbors called police on the day of the incident after observing Pampalian muttering to himself and chasing a woman down the street. One neighbor witnessed Pampalian attempting to enter one home before entering another, which was actually his own residence.
Police initially believed they were responding to an active break and enter rather than a mental health crisis. The first responding officer, Constable Jason Bryan, who has since retired, shot Pampalian three times after Pampalian suddenly appeared within meters of him and charged with two knives.
Sullivan testified that he saw
"no way in which the police had the opportunity to engage in discussion or could seek to mollify his anxieties or distress."He added,
"I also believe there was no information that could have assisted police in approaching that situation."
Police Policy Changes Following Incident
The inquest revealed that the NSW police force has implemented several policy changes since 2023.
Body-worn cameras now automatically activate when an officer draws their firearm or Taser. This activation also triggers the cameras of any officers within a 10-meter radius.
Constable Bryan did not activate his body-worn camera before shooting Pampalian, stating he did not have time to do so until after the event.
The police have also increased the frequency of mental health training for officers, moving to annual face-to-face sessions.
Detective Superintendent Kirsty Hales explained,
"[The change] came as a result [of a] number of critical incident and mental health coronial matters."
On Friday, Deputy State Coroner Pearce became emotional as Pampalian’s family lawyer read a statement on behalf of Eddie, who attended the inquest throughout the week.
"Many people have been affected by this tragedy, not just our family,"the statement said.
"Steve was loved deeply by his family and friends. He was known as a gentle giant with a calm presence and a warm sense of humour. Steve had a way of making people feel comfortable."
The statement also noted Pampalian’s close relationship with his nieces:
"He often spoke with one of his two nieces. After his passing, one of the hardest moments was hearing her cry and say he would never know all the new things that happen in her life now."
