Gunman's Death in 2017 Adelaide Siege Ruled Not Preventable, Coroner Finds

A South Australian coroner has concluded that the fatal police shooting of a gunman during a 2017 siege was not preventable, despite finding the overall incident could have been managed more safely. The inquest into the death of Matthew Kim Morgan, 24, who held his pregnant wife hostage at the Tollgate Motel in Glen Osmond, delivered its findings nine years after the event.

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Given my consideration of the issues, although I consider that the overall incident could have been dealt with in a safer manner, I am unable to reach a conclusion that Mr Morgan's death was preventable other than by varying his own choices.

State Coroner David Whittle stated, "Given my consideration of the issues, although I consider that the overall incident could have been dealt with in a safer manner, I am unable to reach a conclusion that Mr Morgan's death was preventable other than by varying his own choices." He added that no recommendations would be made to improve public safety, given the circumstances.

The inquest heard that the day before the shooting, Morgan provided police with a false name when they visited his home. Later, he fled from a patrol officer in a white van, hitting the officer and causing him to fall. The following day, police located Morgan and his wife at the motel. Upon approaching their room, Morgan shouted, "I have a f****** hostage," as a double-barrelled shotgun was pointed at an officer's head.

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I have a f****** hostage.

Crucially, the inquest findings noted that the operation was not initially classified as high-risk, despite Morgan's extensive criminal history and outstanding warrants in Queensland. The lack of full access to and sharing of information, particularly concerning a 2015 allegation of possessing and threatening someone with a handgun, prevented attending officers from properly assessing the required level of caution. The coroner emphasized the need for investigators to have a comprehensive understanding of a suspect's background.

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It was a lack of full accessing and sharing of information that denied police the ability to properly assess the degree of caution which was required.