The Coroner has found the death of a Sunshine West mother two years’ ago was caused by extensive blunt force injuries to her head and face.
The findings of the inquest into the death of Sudanese migrant Athiel Deng were released late last month and reveal that the 59-year-old was bludgeoned to death by her youngest son, Majang Ngor, who was also charged with the attempted murder of two neighbours in March 2013.
Coroner Peter White conducted a review into Ms Deng’s death because it met the criteria of the Victorian Systematic Review of Family Violence Deaths. In discussing the individual risk factors leading to her death, Coroner White cited her cultural background and lack of English as influencing factors.
“Ms Deng did not speak English and this may have created a barrier for seeking formal support when her son’s mental state deteriorated,” Coroner White said.
Mr Ngor had confided before his mother’s death that his daily cannabis use had escalated and that he was regularly using methamphetamine (ice) and a stimulant drug called ‘khat’.
Coroner White said Mr Ngor’s violence may have been linked to heavy drug use.
“Violence is likely to be related to persecutory delusions and perceived threat,” the Coroner said.
The inquest heard the troubled 23-year-old was involved in a neighbourhood dispute on the morning he killed his mother, with the incident ending in a siege situation. Mr Ngor terrorised two neighbours with a knife, cutting one man with the weapon and punching a woman in the face as he smashed windows and kicked doors.
The neighbours received minor cuts and bruises, and called police to Roberts Crescent.
Critical Incident Response Team officers stormed the house and found Ms Deng’s body in a bungalow at the back of the property.
Mr Ngor was shot during his capture and taken to hospital under police guard. He was charged with his mother’s murder the next day, March 27. Mr Ngor was found dead at Thomas Embling Hospital in June 2013.
