#DC-0205
John Makai
Investigation
last updated 11 October 2026 · 3 sources
Confirmed facts
13
Open questions
5
Latest source
3 Oct 2026
Location
Victoria
This case is still developing. Get an email when the file updates.
Timeline of what's confirmed13 entries
9 September 2023
John Makai came to police attention after a dispute at a Sunbury home involving a spilled drink and an altercation with his adult son, according to evidence reported from the coronial inquest.
ABC News
9 September 2023
The inquest heard Makai and his adult son were bleeding when police arrived at the Sunbury home.
ABC News
9 September 2023
Police body-worn camera footage played in court showed Makai losing balance and falling backwards into a wooden bookshelf, according to ABC News.
ABC News
9 September 2023
The inquest heard an ambulance was initially called after the altercation but was cancelled.
The Guardian
9 September 2023
Police took Makai to Broadmeadows Police Station for observation after being told an ambulance was not available, according to ABC News.
ABC News
9 September 2023
During the police-van ride to Broadmeadows, Makai lost consciousness and slumped forward, according to ABC News.
ABC News
9 September 2023
On arrival at Broadmeadows Police Station, security footage showed officers carrying a limp Makai to a holding cell, according to ABC News.
ABC News
9 September 2023
The inquest heard Makai made no verbal response during his transfer into the cell or at any other time at the station.
The Guardian
9 September 2023
Counsel assisting the inquest said Makai was motionless for more than four hours and nobody entered the cell to check on him, according to ABC News.
ABC News
September 2023
Makai died from a brain injury after spending hours unconscious in a holding cell at Broadmeadows Police Station, according to ABC News.
ABC News
28 September 2026
The coronial inquest into Makai's death opened in Melbourne, according to ABC News and The Guardian.
ABC News; The Guardian
28 September 2026
Victoria Police, through barrister Andrew Imrie for the chief commissioner, admitted Makai's care in custody fell short of Victoria Police policy standards and offered condolences to his family.
ABC News
3 October 2026
The Guardian reported that the inquest had heard evidence of alleged shortcomings including an inadequate medical assessment, failure to complete a detainee risk assessment, and inadequate checks while Makai was in custody.
The Guardian
Open questionsunconfirmed · not conclusions
Whether delays in medical treatment contributed to Makai's death.under inquest · unconfirmed
Why an ambulance was not called sooner for Makai at Broadmeadows Police Station.under inquest · unconfirmed
Why ambulance responses connected to Makai's case were cancelled.under inquest · unconfirmed
How police assessed Makai's medical condition during transport and custody.under inquest · unconfirmed
What findings or recommendations the coroner will make.not yet determined · unconfirmed
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