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Revision as of 05:58, 13 October 2022 editWWGB (talk | contribs)Autopatrolled, Extended confirmed users, New page reviewers, Pending changes reviewers, Rollbackers155,451 edits →Sentencing: have not named victims to date, no need to start nowTag: Visual edit← Previous edit Revision as of 06:02, 13 October 2022 edit undoWWGB (talk | contribs)Autopatrolled, Extended confirmed users, New page reviewers, Pending changes reviewers, Rollbackers155,451 edits updateNext edit →
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| inquiry = | inquiry =
| coroner = | coroner =
| accused = Benjamin Glenn Hoffmann<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.news.com.au/national/alleged-shooter-was-let-go-from-roofing-job-just-days-before-rampage/news-story/604728c1fd61543a3e58ac50a2e9693c|title=Alleged shooter was let go from roofing job just days before rampage|date=2019-06-04|website=]|access-date=2019-06-05}}</ref> | perpetrator = Benjamin Glenn Hoffmann<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.news.com.au/national/alleged-shooter-was-let-go-from-roofing-job-just-days-before-rampage/news-story/604728c1fd61543a3e58ac50a2e9693c|title=Alleged shooter was let go from roofing job just days before rampage|date=2019-06-04|website=]|access-date=2019-06-05}}</ref>
| convicted = | convicted =
| verdict = | verdict = Guilty
| convictions = | convictions = Murder (3 counts), manslaughter (1 count)
| charges = | charges =
| litigation = | litigation =
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On 4 June 2019, a ] occurred in ], ]. The ] confirmed that four people were killed in the incident and another one was injured. A 45-year-old man, Benjamin Glenn Hoffmann, was arrested and subsequently charged with murder and attempted murder.<ref name="abc1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-06-04/northern-territory-police-arrest-gunman-in-darwin-woman-injured/11179136|title=Darwin shooting: Up to five people killed in CBD, 45yo alleged gunman arrested by NT Police|publisher=]|date=4 June 2019|access-date=4 June 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://7news.com.au/news/crime/darwin-shooting-man-arrested-after-opening-fire-in-cbd-c-148808|title=Darwin shooting: At least four killed, others injured|date=4 June 2019|access-date=4 June 2019|website=]}}</ref><ref name=":2" /> On 4 June 2019, a ] occurred in ], ]. The ] confirmed that four people were killed in the incident and another one was injured. A 45-year-old man, Benjamin Glenn Hoffmann, was arrested and subsequently convicted for murder and manslaughter.<ref name="abc1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-06-04/northern-territory-police-arrest-gunman-in-darwin-woman-injured/11179136|title=Darwin shooting: Up to five people killed in CBD, 45yo alleged gunman arrested by NT Police|publisher=]|date=4 June 2019|access-date=4 June 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://7news.com.au/news/crime/darwin-shooting-man-arrested-after-opening-fire-in-cbd-c-148808|title=Darwin shooting: At least four killed, others injured|date=4 June 2019|access-date=4 June 2019|website=]}}</ref><ref name=":2" />


==Attack== ==Attack==
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Police responded to the incident and the city centre near the motel remained in lock-down for an hour after the attack.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-48510881|title=Four killed in northern Australia shooting|date=4 June 2019|work=]|access-date=4 June 2019|language=en-GB}}</ref> The media reports that about 100 police were involved<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-06-04/darwin-shooting-people-police-arrest-gunman/11179136|title='Terrible act of violence': Four shot dead, another injured by gunman in Darwin|last=Vanovac|first=Neda|date=4 June 2019|website=ABC News (Australia)}}</ref> including officers from the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/multiple-fatalities-man-arrested-after-fatal-shooting-in-darwin-police-20190604-p51uj5.html|title=Multiple fatalities, man arrested after shooting in Darwin|last=Visentin|first=Zach Hope, Georgina Mitchell, Lisa|date=4 June 2019|website=]}}</ref> Northern Territory ], Reece Kershaw described the weapon as "a ] 12-gauge pump-action shotgun",<ref name=":3">{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-48522342|title='Banned shotgun' used in Darwin mass shooting|date=2019-06-05|access-date=2019-06-05|language=en-GB}}</ref> and said it may have been stolen as far back as 1997.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/darwin-shooting-live-four-people-dead-gunman-in-custody-20190605-p51uke.html|title=Darwin shooting LIVE: Four people dead, suspect in custody|last=Noyes|first=Jenny|date=5 June 2019|website=The Sydney Morning Herald}}</ref> Police say that the suspect used 7 vehicles to visit other places located in the city.<ref name="auto" /> Police responded to the incident and the city centre near the motel remained in lock-down for an hour after the attack.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-48510881|title=Four killed in northern Australia shooting|date=4 June 2019|work=]|access-date=4 June 2019|language=en-GB}}</ref> The media reports that about 100 police were involved<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-06-04/darwin-shooting-people-police-arrest-gunman/11179136|title='Terrible act of violence': Four shot dead, another injured by gunman in Darwin|last=Vanovac|first=Neda|date=4 June 2019|website=ABC News (Australia)}}</ref> including officers from the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/multiple-fatalities-man-arrested-after-fatal-shooting-in-darwin-police-20190604-p51uj5.html|title=Multiple fatalities, man arrested after shooting in Darwin|last=Visentin|first=Zach Hope, Georgina Mitchell, Lisa|date=4 June 2019|website=]}}</ref> Northern Territory ], Reece Kershaw described the weapon as "a ] 12-gauge pump-action shotgun",<ref name=":3">{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-48522342|title='Banned shotgun' used in Darwin mass shooting|date=2019-06-05|access-date=2019-06-05|language=en-GB}}</ref> and said it may have been stolen as far back as 1997.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/darwin-shooting-live-four-people-dead-gunman-in-custody-20190605-p51uke.html|title=Darwin shooting LIVE: Four people dead, suspect in custody|last=Noyes|first=Jenny|date=5 June 2019|website=The Sydney Morning Herald}}</ref> Police say that the suspect used 7 vehicles to visit other places located in the city.<ref name="auto" />


==Suspect== ==Perpetrator==
After the motel shooting, the suspect fled in a Toyota ] and remained at large for about an hour before being detained<ref name="abc1" /> after notifying police of his location at the intersection of McMinn and Daly Streets.<ref name=":2" /> At the time of his arrest, the man, a suspected member of a motorcycle gang who had been released from prison in January, was wearing an ].<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/jun/04/police-say-they-have-reports-of-up-to-four-people-dead-in-darwin-shooting|title=Darwin shooting: four people dead as police reveal suspect was on parole|last=Martin|first=Lisa|date=2019-06-04|work=]|access-date=2019-06-04|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}</ref> The suspect was also taken to ] after being injured with a knife<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.news.com.au/national/chilling-cctv-images-capture-darwin-rampage/news-story/7e269bfa7259e513b3d8b3d17b58b36e|title=Chilling CCTV captures Darwin rampage|date=2019-06-06|website=NewsComAu|access-date=2019-06-07}}</ref> and ]ed.<ref name=":2" /> After the motel shooting, the suspect fled in a Toyota ] and remained at large for about an hour before being detained<ref name="abc1" /> after notifying police of his location at the intersection of McMinn and Daly Streets.<ref name=":2" /> At the time of his arrest, the man, a suspected member of a motorcycle gang who had been released from prison in January, was wearing an ].<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/jun/04/police-say-they-have-reports-of-up-to-four-people-dead-in-darwin-shooting|title=Darwin shooting: four people dead as police reveal suspect was on parole|last=Martin|first=Lisa|date=2019-06-04|work=]|access-date=2019-06-04|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}</ref> The suspect was also taken to ] after being injured with a knife<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.news.com.au/national/chilling-cctv-images-capture-darwin-rampage/news-story/7e269bfa7259e513b3d8b3d17b58b36e|title=Chilling CCTV captures Darwin rampage|date=2019-06-06|website=NewsComAu|access-date=2019-06-07}}</ref> and ]ed.<ref name=":2" />


Revision as of 06:02, 13 October 2022

Mass shooting in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia

2019 Darwin shooting
LocationDarwin, Northern Territory, Australia
Date4 June 2019 (2019-06-04)
Attack typeMass shooting, spree shooting
Weapons12-gauge Pump action shotgun
Deaths4
Injured1
PerpetratorBenjamin Glenn Hoffmann
VerdictGuilty
ConvictionsMurder (3 counts), manslaughter (1 count)

On 4 June 2019, a mass shooting occurred in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia. The Northern Territory Police confirmed that four people were killed in the incident and another one was injured. A 45-year-old man, Benjamin Glenn Hoffmann, was arrested and subsequently convicted for murder and manslaughter.

Attack

The attacks occurred over multiple locations starting at 5:39pm. According to one news source:

"Shots had rung out near Finnis Street just outside the CBD before the man moved to other locations – including the Buffalo Club, Gardens Hill Crescent, the Palms Motel, a Coles Express and Jolly Street in Woolner."

Witnesses say the gunman entered the Palms Motel on McMinn Street, Darwin and used a pump-action shotgun to shoot through a guestroom door. According to sources, around 20 shots were fired by the suspect. Witnesses also noted that while in the motel the gunman went from "room-to-room" while screaming out "Alex".

Police responded to the incident and the city centre near the motel remained in lock-down for an hour after the attack. The media reports that about 100 police were involved including officers from the Territory Response Group. Northern Territory Police Commissioner, Reece Kershaw described the weapon as "a prohibited 12-gauge pump-action shotgun", and said it may have been stolen as far back as 1997. Police say that the suspect used 7 vehicles to visit other places located in the city.

Perpetrator

After the motel shooting, the suspect fled in a Toyota utility and remained at large for about an hour before being detained after notifying police of his location at the intersection of McMinn and Daly Streets. At the time of his arrest, the man, a suspected member of a motorcycle gang who had been released from prison in January, was wearing an electronic monitoring bracelet. The suspect was also taken to Royal Darwin Hospital after being injured with a knife and tasered.

The suspect has been identified by the media as New Zealand man Benjamin Glenn Hoffmann, age 45. Kershaw said that Hoffmann had been released from prison on parole in January 2019. He had been serving a 6-year prison sentence, eligible for parole after 4 years. After this he committed a minor violation of his parole conditions, breaking curfew by less than an hour, and as a result he was imprisoned again for two weeks, being released in early May. During his parole he had been drug tested, with all results negative. Police also revealed that they stopped the suspect for speeding hours before the shooting.

The suspect's motivation remains unclear, but Kershaw said the suspect may have been looking for certain individuals. One of the individuals may have been called "Alex". Police believe "Alex" was outside the Northern Territory at the time of the attack.

Victims

The victims of the crime were all male: one man was reportedly killed at the motel, one at Buff Club, one at Gardens Hill Crescent, and one at Jolly Street.

In addition, at the motel, a 23 year-old woman was shot multiple times in the legs. She was helped by a witness at the scene, and later taken to Royal Darwin Hospital.

Prosecution and trial

This article's factual accuracy may be compromised due to out-of-date information. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. (October 2022)

On 5 June 2019, four charges of murder were laid against Hoffmann.

Hoffman was to stand trial in February 2020, but due to a dispute with NT Legal Aid, he initially had no legal representation. He entered a plea of not guilty to all counts, with Hoffman's lawyer indicating on 23 April 2020 that he would run a defence of mental impairment due to psychiatric illness.

Hoffman's trial began on 21 September 2021 at Darwin Supreme Court. He was charged with the murders of four people, and with committing ten other serious offences, including threatening to kill and recklessly endangering life. At the start of the seventh week of his trial, he changed his plea to guilty of the murders of Baydoun, Sisois, and Courtney, and to the manslaughter of Hellings. He additionally pleaded guilty to half the other charges.

Hoffmann sacked his legal team on 18 November 2021, requesting the court replace them. He is expected to return to the court in January 2022 to conclude his hearing.

Sentencing

On 13 October 2022, Hoffmann was given three life sentences without the possibility of parole for three of the murders, and a 15-year term of imprisonment for the manslaughter of a fourth victim.

Reactions

The Prime Minister of Australia, Scott Morrison, commented that the shooting was not terrorism-related. Michael Gunner, Chief Minister of the Northern Territory, stated that his thoughts were with the families and friends of the victims, stating "This is not the Darwin we know".

See also

References

  1. McGuirk, Rod. "Gunman out on parole kills 4 in Australian city of Darwin". ABC News (United States). ABC News Internet Ventures. Retrieved 4 June 2019.
  2. ^ "Darwin shooting: Up to five people killed in CBD, 45yo alleged gunman arrested by NT Police". ABC News (Australia). 4 June 2019. Retrieved 4 June 2019.
  3. ^ "Alleged shooter was let go from roofing job just days before rampage". news.com.au. 4 June 2019. Retrieved 5 June 2019.
  4. "Darwin shooting: At least four killed, others injured". Seven News. 4 June 2019. Retrieved 4 June 2019.
  5. ^ Smith, Emily; Garrick, Matt (5 June 2019). "Alleged Darwin gunman identified but motive still unclear". ABC News (Australia). Retrieved 5 June 2019.
  6. "'This is not the Darwin we know': Suspect in deadly shooting was out on parole". au.news.yahoo.com. Retrieved 4 June 2019.
  7. Cave, Damien (4 June 2019). "Gunman Kills 4 in Darwin, Australia". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 4 June 2019.
  8. ^ "Four killed in northern Australia shooting". BBC. 4 June 2019. Retrieved 4 June 2019.
  9. Vanovac, Neda (4 June 2019). "'Terrible act of violence': Four shot dead, another injured by gunman in Darwin". ABC News (Australia).
  10. Visentin, Zach Hope, Georgina Mitchell, Lisa (4 June 2019). "Multiple fatalities, man arrested after shooting in Darwin". The Sydney Morning Herald.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  11. ^ "'Banned shotgun' used in Darwin mass shooting". 5 June 2019. Retrieved 5 June 2019.
  12. Noyes, Jenny (5 June 2019). "Darwin shooting LIVE: Four people dead, suspect in custody". The Sydney Morning Herald.
  13. ^ Martin, Lisa (4 June 2019). "Darwin shooting: four people dead as police reveal suspect was on parole". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 4 June 2019.
  14. "Chilling CCTV captures Darwin rampage". NewsComAu. 6 June 2019. Retrieved 7 June 2019.
  15. Newsroom, Newsroom (6 June 2019). "POLICE'S SHOCK REVELATION ABOUT DARWIN SHOOTER". KIIS 1011. Archived from the original on 7 June 2019. Retrieved 6 June 2019. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  16. "Accused Darwin shooter left with no lawyer due to a dispute over money with NT Legal Aid". SBS. 27 February 2020.
  17. "Alleged Darwin shooter Benjamin Hoffmann to argue defence of mental impairment". ABC News. 23 April 2020.
  18. Mackay, Melissa (21 September 2021). "Benjamin Hoffmann trial begins today". ABC News. Retrieved 26 November 2021.
  19. ^ "Darwin shooting: Benjamin Glenn Hoffmann pleads guilty to murder". The Guardian. 2 November 2021. Retrieved 26 November 2021.
  20. "Darwin spree killer Benjamin Hoffman sacks entire legal team". 9 News. 18 November 2021.
  21. "'Prolonged and vicious': Darwin mass shooter handed life sentence with no parole for drug-fuelled rampage". ABC News. 13 October 2022. Retrieved 13 October 2022.
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