Police say they have “insufficient evidence” to charge a homeowner with the death of an armed intruder following a fight between them.
Western Australia Premier Roger Cook called on Aboriginal people “not to create anxiety in the community” following the death last month of Tyrone Smith, 20, who broke into a house in the mining town of Kalgoorlie, 600 kilometers east of Perth.
Smith, who was wearing a balaclava and was armed with a machete, got into a violent fight with the owner, whose wife and son were also on the premises, around 10.15am on November 29, according to police.
Seriously injured, Smith was flown to Royal Perth Hospital but died on December 2, while the owner was treated at Kalgoorlie Hospital for serious injuries.
Smith’s mother, Kathleen O’Loughlin, who traveled to Perth to be by her son’s side during his final days, said the family was “devastated” that no charges would be laid.
“We will not give up on Tyrone and we will make sure we get answers and justice for Tyrone, no matter how long it takes,” he told Seven.
While Ms O’Loughlin said homeowners have a “right to defend themselves”, she “didn’t do it to the point of taking someone’s life”.
He also said the police investigation into the incident had not been transparent.
Tyrone Smith, 20, died after breaking into a house in the remote town of Kalgoorlie and becoming involved in a violent fight with the owner.

Smith’s mother, Kathleen O’Loughlin, said her family was devastated that police were not pressing charges over the incident.
‘We are yet to receive a full report on how and why Tyrone’s life was cut short. To date, we have received piecemeal information about what happened in that house,” Ms O’Loughlin said.
“There have been inconsistent reports provided by WA Police in Kalgoorlie and Perth, which has been a source of frustration and confusion for our family and has compounded our grief.”
Loughlin previously said she didn’t sleep for days because she hoped her son would recover.
“Tyrone was a caring young man who faced challenges but had a big heart,” he told the National Indigenous Times.
“He should still be here.”
WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch defended the decision not to lay charges, saying the laws allow homeowners to defend themselves with appropriate force and there was insufficient evidence to have a good prospect of conviction.

Western Australian Premier Roger Cook asked people not to ‘create anxiety’ in the local Kalgoorlie community (pictured)
“I don’t think this will prevent a family from suffering the pain and loss of their child,” Commissioner Blanch said. the alphabet.
‘It’s really challenging not only to go through the death and pain, but also to hear the police say we’re not going to proceed.
“But the evidence is not available for us to proceed to press charges, that’s essentially the reason.”
Commissioner Blanch said Smith’s family has been informed of the police position.
“No one is ever going to be happy when they hear these things and, again, I can understand the pain of losing a loved one, but we have to operate with the evidence we have at our disposal,” he said.
“I think they understood the evidence that we have at our disposal and it is an unpleasant situation for us … and certainly for all the families involved.”
Immediately after Smith’s death, Cook urged the Indigenous community not to “jump to conclusions” and let police investigate the incident.
“My understanding is that it occurred as a result of a home invasion, and then a series of very violent circumstances occurred,” he said.
‘I urge everyone not to jump to conclusions. Don’t create anxiety in the community.’
A full coronial report into Smith’s death is expected to be submitted in December, according to the family.