Steve Pampalian

Steve Pampalian, a 41-year-old man, is the subject of an ongoing coronial inquest following his fatal shooting by a NSW police officer in 2023. The incident occurred after Pampalian, reportedly experiencing a psychotic episode, approached police while armed with two kitchen knives. The inquest is examining the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including conflicting statements regarding the events that unfolded. Notably, an initial claim by an assistant police commissioner that Pampalian was “known to police” has been retracted as incorrect. The inquest is also investigating why the officer involved did not activate his body-worn camera before the shooting. The case is significant due to concerns about police use of force, mental health crisis response, and transparency in police actions, particularly regarding the accuracy of initial public statements.