Racism hindered NSW police investigation into the 1988 death of Indigenous teenager Mark Haines, inquest found
Coroner overturned initial police finding of suicide, saying their investigation was ‘deeply flawed, superficial and inadequate from the outset’ •Warning: This article contains images of and references to Indigenous Australians who have died Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast The police investigation into the death of Indigenous teenager Mark Haines in northern New South Wales nearly four decades ago was hindered by
Police initially ruled Mark Haines’ 1988 death a suicide but coroner says investigation hindered by racism and deeply flawed
Warning: This article contains images of and references to Indigenous Australians who have died
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The police investigation into the death of Indigenous teenager Mark Haines in northern New South Wales nearly four decades ago was hindered by racism and deeply flawed, a coroner has found.
The body of the Gomeroi teenager was discovered on train tracks outside Tamworth on the morning of 16 January 1988.
A stolen Holden Torana was found crashed nearby.
Coverage from 2 sources
- Racism hindered NSW police investigation into the 1988 death of Indigenous teenager Mark Haines, inquest foundGuardian - World · Australian Associated Press · Jun 18, 2026, 4:53 AM
- Death of Indigenous teen found on rail tracks with towel under head ‘suspicious’, NSW coroner saysGuardian - World · Australian Associated Press · Jun 18, 2026, 4:53 AM
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