Inquest Reveals Man Ignored Police Warnings Before Being Shot

A man with a gun who wanted the police to shoot him was fatally wounded within seconds of being instructed to drop his weapon, according to an inquest.

Corey Selby pointed a firearm at officers, leading to his shooting outside Tenterfield Police Station on January 19, 2023.

Earlier that day, the 48-year-old called emergency services to warn them about the danger his wife and children were in. He expressed his intention to harm them and urged the officers to arrive quickly.

His wife, Cindy, testified that Mr. Selby wanted to be shot and had instructed her to take their children and leave because he no longer wanted to live, Deputy State Coroner Carmel Forbes heard.

Mr. Selby had planned to show his rifle to the police upon their arrival and provoke them to shoot him, but no officers arrived.

Unaware that his family had been directed to go to the police station for safety, Mr. Selby went there and pointed his firearm at the officers.

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Senior Constable Craig Jackman, one of the responding officers, described the quick escalation of events leading to Mr. Selby’s shooting outside the police station in Armidale.

He recounted how he heard colleagues instructing Mr. Selby to drop his weapon as he exited his police car.

“Within less than two seconds, shots were fired,” Mr. Jackman said.

Despite the warnings, Mr. Selby continued to advance towards the officers with his weapon before being shot, according to Mr. Jackman.

The witness mentioned taking cover upon seeing guns drawn and hearing gunshots, only to find Mr. Selby on the ground when he stood back up.

Mr. Selby’s family, who were in a car at the police station, witnessed the tragic event.

Senior Constable Jackman acknowledged the unfortunate outcome but stated that the officers did their best given the circumstances.

Questions during the inquest also focused on staffing shortages at the Tenterfield station.

Senior Constable Jacqueline Butler, who fielded Mr. Selby’s call at the Armidale Police Station, noted the lack of response from Tenterfield as it redirected calls to their 24-hour station.

She described Mr. Selby’s sudden change in demeanor during the call, from calm to angry and accusatory before abruptly hanging up.

The inquest is ongoing.

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