The mother of a distraught young man shot and killed by Victoria Police in November 2014 is reeling after learning the verdict of a Coroner's jury. After a week -long inquest they ruled the death a suicide.
Marney Mutch says she called 911 for help because her 20 year old son, Rhett, was threatening to harm himself with a knife - but maintains she had him calm as police arrived. She was asked to leave the home while they dealt with him, and heard the shots. Rhett died from a gunshot wound to the neck after police say he came at them with the knife.
Marney says she learned of the ruling after checking online:
" I didn't know until I just happened upon it about midnight. And I was shocked. It was like a kick in the stomach with cleats, just adding insult to injury. I was horrified."
According to VicPd they used a bean bag shotgun with no effect, and another officer fired his .45 handgun hitting Rhett in the arm and neck.
The jury also came down with 12 recommendations aimed at improving police response for those in mental health crises, as well as expanding support for youth transitioning out of government care.
Mutch says she hasn't read the recommendations yet as she is too shocked at the suicide verdict.