In a tragic and violent incident in Floreat, Western Australia, a family of three was killed by a gunman identified as Mark Bombara. The family consisted of Jennifer Petelczyc, her 19-year-old daughter Gretl, and Bombara himself. The community has been left shocked and devastated by the loss, with neighbors describing Jennifer as a kind-hearted and caring person who was always looking out for others. Gretl, who had recently passed her driving test and was studying at the University of Western Australia, had a close bond with her mother and older sister.
The family had lived in their home for over 20 years, and neighbors reported seeing Bombara driving up and down the street multiple times before entering the home on the day of the incident. Bombara was licensed to own the firearms used in the murders, despite having a history of non-violence related issues known to the police. Detective Inspector David Gorton described the incident as distressing and tragic, emphasizing the impact of multiple murders on a community.
Kate Chaney, an independent MP in Curtin, expressed her heartbreak for the family and the community, highlighting the ongoing issue of violence against women in society. She noted that as a woman, it is particularly sad to see such violence occurring in 2024. The surviving daughter and Bombara’s ex-wife are now being cared for by police as the community struggles to come to terms with the tragedy.
Friends and family members of the Petelczycs have begun laying tributes outside their home as a way to honor their memory and cope with the loss. The Floreat community, described as tight-knit, is grappling with the realization that such a violent incident could happen in their neighborhood. Jennifer’s older daughter is now the last surviving member of her immediate family, as her father had passed away from illness in 2019. The close bond between the sisters, as evidenced by their shared TikTok account, highlights the devastating impact of their loss.
As authorities continue to investigate the incident and provide support to the surviving family members, mental health resources such as LifeLine WA, the Suicide Call Back Service, and MensLine Australia are available for those who may be affected by this tragedy. The community’s response to the shocking events in Floreat serves as a reminder of the importance of coming together to support one another in times of grief and loss. The Petelczyc family will be remembered for their kindness, love, and the tragedy they endured in this heartbreaking event.
