Woman shot ex-partner
New relationship led to murder-suicide, finds coroner
A NORTH-WEST Tasmanian woman shot her ex-partner then took her own life when she discovered her ex-partner was in a relationship with another woman, a coroner has found.
Coroner Duncan Fairley on Thursday published his findings into the deaths of Michael William Dunk, 46, an outlaw motorcycle club member, and Elishka Dawn Johnson, 41, who both died between April 8 and April 10, 2015, at their Wilmot property, south of Ulverstone.
Mr Fairley said an entry in Ms Johnson’s diary of March 25, 2015, indicated that Mr Dunk had admitted to sleeping with another woman.
“A further entry four days later notes that Mr Dunk had collected his clothes and some personal belongings,” he said.
“The entry records that Ms Johnson considered she and Mr Dunk had separated.”
Mr Fairly said Ms Johnson discovered a number of photographs and messages on a social media website that confirmed Mr Dunk was in a “significant relationship” with the other woman.
He said Mr Dunk stayed at that woman’s home on the evening of April 7, and Ms Johnson arranged for him to go to the Wilmot property the following night.
Mr Fairley said Mr Dunk sent the other woman a text message on the morning of April 8 that said: “Eli wants to talk to me about something 2nite. Will give you a yell when I get back to Dev[onport] …”
Mr Fairley said a friend and fellow Black Uhlans motorcy- cle club member became concerned about Mr Dunk on April 9 because Mr Dunk had not been in contact with him or other club members and he had not attended work.
Two club members went to the Wilmot property just after 2pm on April 10 and found Mr Dunk and Ms Johnson dead.
Mr Fairley said the two met on the Gold Coast in or about 2001 and moved to Tasmania together in mid-2005. He said statements from work colleagues indicated Mr Dunk and Ms Johnson were both respected and well liked at work.
Mr Fairley said Ms Johnson sought help in August 2014 for significant depressive symptoms, citing difficulties in her relationship and at work. If you need support, ring Lifeline on 131 114 or beyondblue on 1300 224 636.