A New South Wales coroner has found that the police investigation into the 1988 death of Indigenous teenager Mark Haines was deeply flawed and hindered by racism. The body of the 17-year-old Gomeroi boy was discovered on train tracks outside Tamworth on the morning of 16 January 1988, with a stolen Holden Torana found crashed nearby.
Police initially ruled the death a suicide, suggesting Haines had laid down on the tracks deliberately or in a dazed state. An autopsy determined he died from a traumatic head injury. However, his family long suspected foul play and believed the investigation would have been different had he been non-Indigenous.
Coroner's Findings
Deputy State Coroner Harriet Grahame, after a smoking ceremony at Tamworth courthouse, stated that the initial investigation was superficial and inadequate from the outset. She noted that Haines's body was moved soon after discovery, and neither the car nor the train were forensically tested. Grahame ruled out suicide, pointing out that a towel was placed under Haines's head.
Grahame acknowledged that the investigation occurred against a backdrop of deeply entrenched racism in Tamworth and regional NSW at the time. She said it was inconceivable that such a superficial investigation would have taken place had a young white teenager been found in similar circumstances.
Unsubstantiated Rumours and Unanswered Questions
The coroner dismissed a theory involving local boxer Eddie Davis as an unsubstantiated rumour but found that Haines's close friend Glenn Mannion likely knew more about the events of that night. Mannion gave evidence but denied any further knowledge. Grahame concluded that Haines's death is suspicious, as some involved have not come forward.
Family's Long Struggle
Before the findings, Haines's sister, Lorna Haines, spoke of her enduring love for her brother and the pain of their parents dying without knowing what happened. Their father often called out Mark's name in his sleep. Uncle Don Craigie, who pushed for re-investigation for years, expressed relief that the coroner confirmed their long-held beliefs. He said, "Mark got the death sentence, the family got a life sentence."
Next Steps
Grahame recommended that Haines's death be referred to NSW Police's unsolved homicide unit for further investigation, including DNA analysis of a cigarette lighter found near the tracks. A $1 million reward for information remains in place. The NSW Aboriginal Legal Service praised Craigie's tireless advocacy, stating that the coroner confirmed that racism compromised the police investigation.
Indigenous Australians can call 13YARN on 13 92 76 for information and crisis support; or call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Mensline on 1300 789 978.
