Police apologise over investigation into Perth mother's shooting death

WA's police commissioner has apologised to the family of a Perth mother whose death has remained unsolved for more than a decade, acknowledging "shortcomings" in the initial police investigation.WARNING: This story contains references to suicide.Police initially declared Amy Wensley's death a suicide after the 24-year-old was found dead in her Serpentine home in June 2014 with a gunshot wound to the head.Six-and-a-half years after Ms Wensley's death, the case became the subject of a coronial inquest, which ended with an open finding.Deputy Coroner Sarah Linton said police had made "premature decisions" in their investigation and that a "forensic opportunity was lost".She said there were "too many unknowns" in the case and that she was unable to make a finding as to how Ms Wensley died.In a statement released today, WA Police said Commissioner Col Blanch had met with Ms Wensley's mother Nancy Kirk in January, along with other members of her family. Amy Wensley was a mother to two young girls. (Supplied)"During that meeting, the commissioner acknowledged shortcomings in the initial police investigation and apologised to the family," the statement said.WA Police said it remained committed to solving the case and "pursuing all available lines of inquiry"."Since August 2024, dedicated investigators have continued to examine all available information relating to Amy's death," they said."That work remains ongoing."Reward still on tableWA Police said Ms Wensley's family had shown "extraordinary determination" in seeking justice. "The WA Police Force remains committed to the investigation and to ensuring every reasonable investigative avenue is pursued," it said. There is still a $1 million reward on offer from police for any information which could help solve the cold case."The reward reflects the WA Police Force's ongoing commitment to resolving the unanswered circumstances surrounding Amy's death," police said. Investigators believe there may be people "who hold information about Amy's death who have not yet come forward, or who may now be prepared to speak with police".Police have urged anyone with information about Ms Wensley's death to contact Crime Stoppers. In 2022, in a report by Australian Story on the case, WA Police said it had changed its practices and procedures "for greater oversight of incidents … and greater awareness of family violence".