Jennifer Petelczyc, 59, and her youngest daughter, Gretl, 18, were tragically murdered after becoming unsuspecting victims in the aftermath of a friend's marital breakdown. The violent incident occurred at their Floreat home on Friday afternoon when Mark Bombara, 63, entered the house armed with a gun.
Bombara, the ex-husband of one of Jennifer’s close friends, arrived at the Berkeley Crescent address around 4:20 pm. Driven by the belief that his former partner was hiding there after their recent separation, Bombara fatally shot Jennifer upon realizing she wasn't present, then critically wounded Gretl.
Police arrived at the scene as the final gunshot was heard at 4:30 pm, which is believed to have been Bombara taking his own life. Gretl was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital but succumbed to her injuries.
Authorities are investigating whether the women were restrained with cable ties during the killings. Although Bombara and Jennifer had met before, they were not well-acquainted.
Curtin Independent MP Kate Chaney expressed her sorrow, noting the profound impact on the tight-knit Floreat community. She highlighted the ongoing issue of male-perpetrated violence, lamenting that such tragedies still occur in 2024.
Jennifer’s eldest daughter, 23, is now the sole surviving member of her immediate family, following her father's death in 2019. She shared a close bond with Gretl, as shown by their shared TikTok account showcasing their adventures. Gretl, a 2022 graduate of St Hilda’s Anglican Girls’ School, had recently passed her driving test and was studying at the University of Western Australia, where she also played on the water polo team.
Neighbors remembered Jennifer as altruistic and kind, always caring for others and deeply devoted to her children. The Petelczyc family had lived in their Floreat home for over two decades.
On the day of the tragedy, neighbors saw Bombara driving up and down the normally quiet street before entering the house. On Saturday, police searched his Mosman Park property and seized multiple firearms. Although Bombara was licensed to own the guns used in the killings, he was previously known to police for non-violent issues.
Detective Inspector David Gorton described the incident as particularly distressing, emphasizing its broader impact. Police are now caring for the surviving daughter and Bombara’s ex-wife as family and friends lay tributes outside the Petelczyc home, grappling with the devastating loss.
For those experiencing mental health issues, support is available through LifeLine WA at 13 11 14, the Suicide Call Back Service at 1300 659 467, or MensLine Australia at 1300 789 978.