A 20-year-old is chased by police into his own backyard, shot twice, and dies. Explore the heartbreaking story of Brad's tragic encounter with law enforcement, his life, friendships, and the mystery surrounding his behavior. Uncover the truth behind the fatal incident and the impact on his family and community.
The tragic death of Brad Balsen sheds light on police-community relations and the impact of past experiences on individuals.
Questions about police conduct, community trust, and the interpretation of 'suspicious behavior' arise post-incident.
Deep dives
The Tragic Encounter in the Backyard
On a December morning in 2020, Brad Balsen dies in his backyard from gunshot wounds after a confrontation with plainclothes police officers. The police claim Brad attempted to grab one of their guns during the chase, leading to the fatal shots. Despite the chaos, Brad's father, Adam, faces the dreadful reality of finding his son's lifeless body, sparking questions about the events that unfolded and the sequence of actions that led to the tragic outcome.
Insight into Brad's Personal Life
Brad Balsen's background and relationships shed light on his character and challenges he faced. Raised mainly by his grandmother, Nola, Brad struggled with school, had encounters with the police, and showed signs of edginess, possibly due to past traumatic experiences like being robbed. His uncle, Troy, recalls Brad's decent work ethic despite occasional tardiness. Brad's mother, Belinda, describes a caring, troubled son who expressed fears and emotions before his untimely death.
Community Perspectives and Distrust of Authorities
Residents of St. Mary's, including Brad's friend Ben, express skepticism towards the police presence and interactions, hinting at a community-wide distrust. The perception of law enforcement as intimidating and aggressive is highlighted, with specific concerns about profiling based on appearance. Ben's insights suggest that police attire and past interactions may have influenced Brad's response to the unexpected police encounter in his neighborhood.
Unraveling the Triggers and Misunderstandings
As details emerge post-incident, there is a focus on the sequence of events leading to Brad's death. The inquest delves into factors like Brad's attire, past actions, mental state, and community dynamics. Speculation remains about the definition of 'acting suspiciously' and the true motivations behind the police stop. The aftermath of the tragedy raises broader questions about police conduct, community relations, and the impact of clothing choices on perceived threat levels.
A 20-year-old is chased by four plain-clothes police officers into his western Sydney backyard. But he hasn't committed a crime. He hasn't even done anything wrong. He's shot twice, and then dies. In a special miniseries by Background Briefing, the final moments that led to this tragic incident are pieced together. The reporter is Paul Farrell.
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