Cleveland Dodd's parents, Wayne Gentle and Nadene Dodd, have expressed their frustration, believing that those responsible for their son's care have failed to be held to account for his death in custody.
The 16-year-old was found unresponsive in his cell within Unit 18, the youth wing of high-security adult prison Casuarina, in the early hours of October 12, 2023. He later succumbed to his injuries.
Mr Gentle and Ms Dodd argue that the system is broken, with those entrusted with Cleveland's wellbeing neglecting to provide the necessary support. Now, the family is calling for a renewed focus on those responsible for his care while he was at Banksia Hill Detention Centre and Unit 18.
Too heartbroken to speak, Ms Dodd left the room, while Mr Gentle shared his love for their son, reflecting on their deep bond.
"He's my baby. He's strong, like me, and he'll always be in my heart. Nothing in this world will ever take away our love for him or his love for us," he said.
"I just want justice for my son, for someone to be punished the right way."
Speaking in support of the family, Director of the National Suicide Prevention and Trauma Recovery Project and Director (Wagyl Kaip) of the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council, Megan Krakouer, described the inquest as both difficult and painful.
"There's so much racism and discrimination. No Aboriginal people have taken the stand to speak about the injustices or the way forward," she said.
"There's a fourth tranche, and that needs to include prominent Aboriginal voices."
Ms Krakouer also pointed to the actions of Doug Coyne, the superintendent at the time, whom she claims committed perjury. Mr Coyne initially told the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) he wasn't aware that cameras had been covered in Cleveland's case. However, during the coronial inquest, he admitted knowing about it.
She argued Mr Coyne should be held accountable for perjury, urging the CCC and the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to take action.
"Mr Coyne should be 'chased down' for perjury, and charges must be brought to ensure accountability," said Ms Krakouer.
"What we're seeing is people on the stand turning on each other. But while some claim mental health reasons for not giving evidence, what about these fullas? This will stay with them for the rest of their lives."
Referring to the 1991 Black Deaths in Custody report with its 339 recommendations, Ms Krakouer highlighted how many critical actions—such as removing ligature points—have still not been implemented. She also called for greater investment in the Aboriginal Visitor Scheme, particularly at night when children, like Cleveland, feel most isolated.
"That's when the children get lonely, when they want to speak and be heard. Little Cleveland, rest in peace, asked for water, a nurse, and an Aboriginal worker. None of these were available to him."
"It makes me sick to see those responsible drinking water on the stand, when this little boy just needed water. That's all he wanted," she said.
Researcher Gerry Georgatos said the search for answers has been a year-long struggle for Cleveland's family.
"There's frustration that those in high positions are not taking responsibility for the system's failings that led to Cleveland's death," he said.
"They want a refocus on their child, on the people responsible for him, and on the disarray caused by those in charge at Banksia Hill and Unit 18. We must remember that systems are made up of people—people are responsible for what happened."
