Mosman Park Community Unites in Vigil Following Family Tragedy
The Mosman Park community has come together in a solemn gathering at Gibbon Park, just days after the devastating deaths of the Clune family sent shockwaves throughout Western Australia. Approximately fifty community members impacted by the tragic double-murder suicide met on Wednesday afternoon to process their grief and show solidarity.
A Family Lost in Unimaginable Circumstances
The vigil occurred five days after police discovered the bodies of Jarrod Clune, aged 50, Maiwenna Goasdoue, aged 49, and their two sons, Leon, 16, and Otis, 14, inside their Mott Close home. Authorities were alerted by a carer known to the family, leading to the grim discovery. Police suspect the parents killed both boys before taking their own lives, a scenario that has left the community reeling.
Detective Inspector Jessica Securo revealed that the family members were not found in the same location within the house, adding another layer of complexity to the investigation. The family's pets—two dogs and a cat—were also found deceased at the property.
Community Leaders Express Shock and Support
Mosman Park Mayor Paul Shaw addressed the gathering, acknowledging the profound shock resonating through the community. "I think there is a great deal of shock at what happened, and people are trying to process that," Mayor Shaw told reporters. "Events like this give people the opportunity to do that processing."
The vigil was organized by the community group Mosman Park Sisterhood, which regularly hosts community meals and conversations at the park every Wednesday. Organizer Fariba Fanaian emphasized the sensitive nature of the incident, noting it was "impacting a lot of people." She expressed hope that the gathering would remind residents of the importance of connection and community support during difficult times.
Broader Implications and Calls for Investigation
The tragedy has particularly impacted the neurodivergent community, as both Leon and Otis were living with autism and were non-verbal. Reports suggest one of the boys recently had their NDIS funding cut, with friends indicating the parents struggled to access support for their sons prior to the incident.
A letter believed to be a suicide note was found inside the home, potentially offering crucial insights for homicide detectives. The note reportedly discussed the parents' mindset and indicated some planning behind the tragic events.
Cottesloe MP Sandra Brewer has called for a coronial inquest, stating, "There is a deep sense of grief and concern across the community, and a strong desire to understand how and why this tragedy occurred." She emphasized that this is a matter of profound public interest, urging the Premier and Attorney-General to direct the Coroner to hold an inquest to prevent future tragedies.
Premier Roger Cook responded that the decision to hold an inquest rests with the Coroner, despite the government having powers under the State Coroner Act to mandate one.
Community Mourning and Ongoing Questions
As tributes and flowers accumulated outside the Mott Close home, the cause of the children's deaths remains undisclosed. The community continues to grapple with the loss, seeking answers and healing in the wake of this heartbreaking event.
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