Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this article contains images and the name of a deceased person, which his family has given the media permission to use.
An inquest will begin on Monday into the death in custody of Wiradjuri man Tian-Jarrah (TJ) Denniss, who died while held in NSW.
TJ, described by his family as a loved son, brother, uncle and proud Wiradjuri man, took his own life at the Metropolitan Remand and Reception Centre (MRRC) in Silverwater on 5 August 2023. He was 33 years old and had long struggled with complex health issues and repeated incarceration.
Remembered as family man
His sister, Iesha Murphy, said they wanted TJ to be remembered as more than just a prison inmate number, but as a brother and family man who they loved.
"He meant a lot to us. He was a family-oriented man, just wanted to be around family really. He just loved people," she said.
"Even though he was incarcerated, he always made sure his nieces and his sisters got exactly what they wanted on Christmas and their birthdays. He was always a very thoughtful person. As much as he went through, he was always willing to help people. He'd never want to see anyone struggle."
His stepmother, Charlene Murphy, described him as "always full of life" and "always on the move".
"He wasn't shy. He was full-on, but that was TJ," she said.
"He was always there for his sisters and brothers. They'd go to the river, go swimming, ride bikes, play chasies and things like that. He had plans on getting out of jail and just wanted to be with his brothers and sisters."
History of mistreatment
Before being transferred to NSW, TJ spent time in custody in the ACT. In 2018, prison guards drew a 'game' of hangman based on him. An inquiry into the guards' behaviour — outside the scope of the NSW inquest — will take place once proceedings in Sydney conclude.
It is expected that the inquest will examine the 17 prison transfers TJ experienced during his two years in NSW custody, much of which was spent in segregation.
A statement from the Aboriginal Legal Service (ALS) NSW/ACT, which is representing TJ's paternal family, said the inquest will likely consider whether these frequent transfers affected his medical and psychological care, and whether ACT Corrective Services provided enough information about his cultural and psychological needs when he was transferred.
The inquest is also expected to consider whether the emergency response by Corrective Services or Justice Health contributed to his death or impacted his chances of survival.
Broader context
The inquiry will be heard before State Coroner Teresa O'Sullivan. TJ's death is one of more than 600 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander deaths in custody or police incidents since the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody.
ALS Solicitor Jacklyn Dougan-Jones said the organisation extended its deepest condolences to TJ's family.
"This inquest will be significant in interrogating the prison system's ability to handle complex mental health issues," she said.
"There are also serious questions to be answered about the way TJ was treated by a number of prison staff. When someone is in custody, the state is responsible for their care. Everyone in custody deserves basic dignity and respect, and to be treated with recognition that their lives matter."
