Queensland mother seeks to force inquest into daughter's 2023 Kakadu death
Jessica Stephens's mother Karon Evans has applied for court orders that would force the Northern Territory coroner to hold an inquest into her death in Kakadu National Park after being discharged from Royal Darwin Hospital in 2023.
A Queensland mother is seeking to compel a coronial inquest into her daughter's 2023 death in Kakadu National Park following her mental health treatment at Royal Darwin Hospital. Karon Evans asserts her daughter Jessica Stephens should have been treated as a patient while in care, prompting a mandatory investigation. Jessica was reported missing on October 18, and her remains were discovered on Burrungkuy Rock six days later, after a week-long search.
Ms Evans argues that the Northern Territory Coroners Office withheld crucial documents, including those from Queensland Health, the Mental Health Tribunal, and Child Safety, that might have clarified the circumstances of her death. She further contends that the health department failed to adhere to its own protocols during Jessica's discharge and accommodation.
Should Jessica have received proper aftercare as per policy, she would likely still be in care, according to Ms Evans. She is requesting a court order for an inquest, or alternatively, for the Supreme Court to exercise its powers to mandate one. The coroner's office has yet to respond to the lawsuit.
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