ANSWER SOUGHT ON SON’S DEATH
Dad seeks justice as inquest begins
AFTER four years, one comment his son made before his death still haunts Laurie Simon.
“He kept telling me he was safe, but I worked with criminals (as a corrections officer for 16 years),” he said.
Mr Simon believes his son Darrell did not commit suicide when he disappeared in 2014. He believes Darrell met with trouble before his death.
“I don’t think they meant to do anything bad to him, but someone probably had a really bad temper and it got out of hand,” he said.
Darrell Simon was last seen when he kissed his partner goodbye, promising to be back in a few hours after a bike ride. A coroner is this week examining the circumstances surrounding the 46year-old’s disappearance and the recovery of his body 18 months later in the Lockyer Valley. His father is determined to get justice.
‘‘ I BELIEVE HE WAS KILLED EARLIER AND THEY MADE THE STORY UP. LAURIE SIMON
IT IS a mystery that has baffled him for four years, but Laurie Simon is certain his son Darrell did not commit suicide in 2014.
Speaking outside the Toowoomba Courthouse on day one of a coronial inquest into the 46-year-old’s death, Laurie is dogged in his determination to finally get answers.
Darrell Simon’s remains were found near a tree 18 months after he was reported missing by his family in late 2014.
Laurie Simon believes his son’s associates could hold the key to solving the puzzle of how Darrell died.
“He kept telling me he was safe but I worked with criminals (as a correctional officer for 16 years),” Laurie said.
“I don’t think they meant to do anything bad to him, but someone probably had a really bad temper and it got out of hand.
“I believe he was killed earlier and they made the story up.”
Police have long-suspected suicide after Darrell Simon kissed his partner goodbye, promising to be back in a few hours after a bike ride.
But that theory never satisfied Laurie Simon, and he believes his son would be proud of the way he is honouring his memory.
“I remember him..(saying) ‘if you don’t do this I am going to be cranky’,” he said.
“I’m not giving up that easy.” Finding closure after four years of uncertainty is driving Laurie Simon on during what is expected to be a five-day hearing.
After all these years, however, he is uncertain as to whether a conclusive finding from the inquest will give him answers.
“I’m not sure,” he said. “The legal system is the legal system.
“I have no faith in society any more, there is no real checks and balances.”
Mr Simon is expected to give evidence to Deputy State Coroner John Lock tomorrow.