Suicide: the tragic death of Bailey Junior’s cousin Kurariki



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The boy was transferred to Starship Children’s Hospital. Photo / Archive

WARNING: PAIN CONTENT

A 14-year-old boy who lived with one of New Zealand’s youngest killers tragically died after suffering from mental health problems.

Dontay West, Bailey Junior Kurariki’s cousin, took his own life and died on December 18, 2017, after kissing his aunt goodnight for the last time, according to a forensic report released today.

The teenager, described by a family friend as a “good boy,” had been under Oranga Tamariki’s surveillance since birth after concerns that he would be in the care of his aunt Lorraine West, Kurariki’s mother.

Kurariki, who was released from prison in May 2008 after being convicted of the 2002 murder of pizza delivery man Michael Choy, also lived on the property.

The coroner’s report said Dontay had a difficult childhood, with a history of mental health problems that required a stable family life and long-term mental health treatment.

On several occasions since February 2017, Dontay had revealed to mental health professionals that he heard voices ordering him to harm himself or warning him that others would get hurt if he did not follow orders.

He also said that the voices were telling him to fight others and that he enjoyed the adrenaline rush of the fight.

Dontay also reported sleep problems and it was later found that he would be out until the wee hours of the morning three or four nights a week.

Coroner Debra Bell criticized Oranga Tamariki (OT) for not following up on reports on November 22, 2017 that Dontay had threatened to commit suicide.

The social worker had tried to locate Dontay at home and at school, but was unsuccessful. There was no information on record that OT attempted to contact or follow up with Dontay after that, according to the report.

OT told the coroner that it was difficult to implement a plan after learning of the young man’s suicidal intent without being able to locate Dontay.

“I still think that further efforts / urgency may be warranted given OT was aware of Dontay’s suicide threat,” Bell said in response.

The teenager, described by a family friend as a
The teenager, described by a family friend as a “good boy”, had been under the supervision of Oranga Tamariki. Photo / Archive

Throughout 2017, Dontay had been switching between living under his sister’s care in Ngaruawahia, in Waikato, and West’s home in Auckland.

In October 2017, she moved back to Auckland, but had been calling her sister on a daily basis and during one of those calls she admitted that she had not been taking her medications for the past three weeks.

Ultimately, it’s a real shame that Dontay has returned to Auckland, but I don’t think much
it could have been done to prevent that, “Bell said.

The day before Dontay took his own life, his behavior did not seem out of the ordinary. She’d spent the day at the pools and eaten McDonald’s at home, before kissing her aunt goodnight on the cheek.

Later that night, he was taken to Middlemore Hospital in an ambulance before being transferred to Starship Children’s Hospital. Despite full medical interventions, Dontay died the following afternoon.

The coroner offered his condolences to Dontay’s friends and family and acknowledged the efforts and care given by Hauora Waikato and Whirinaki in dealing with the adolescent’s care.

Where to get help:

• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
• Youth services: (06) 3555 906
• Youthline: 0800 376 633
• Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (from 1:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.)
• Helpline for depression: 0800 111 757 (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
• Helpline: 1737

If it is an emergency and you feel that you or someone else is at risk, call 111.

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