Inquest Reveals Dark Truths Behind Wieambilla Shooting and the Train Family's Descent

In a tragic and alarming case, the coronial inquest into the 2022 Wieambilla shooting incident has unveiled the disturbing dynamics that led to the ambush of police by Gareth Train, his brother Nathaniel Train, and Gareth's wife, Stacey Train. Described as an "arrogant" and "unpleasant" individual, Gareth Train's descent into violent extremism becomes clearer as the inquest reveals the role of shared delusions and mental illness within this troubled trio. Gareth Train, 47, was characterized as an unstable individual, plagued by low self-esteem and paranoia. Witness testimonies painted him as a "keyboard warrior," immersed in unfounded conspiracy theories that ultimately consumed his life. On December 12, 2022, this dangerous mindset culminated in the murder of two police officers, Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold, along with neighbor Alan Dare. Central to the inquest is the diagnosis of shared psychotic disorder, identified by forensic psychiatrist Andrew Aboud. He described the trio's delusional beliefs as a "folie à trois," a shared madness that developed among them due to their close relationships, isolation, and stress. While Aboud asserted that delusions are not contagious, he emphasized how the unique dynamics of their living situation contributed to their collective psychosis. Gareth Train's troubling history has been revealed through the findings of the inquest. His childhood was marked by potential brain injuries and feelings of inadequacy. As he grew older, his obsession with firearms and conspiracy theories intensified. Despite holding various low-level jobs within the educational system, he struggled with personal relationships and exhibited alarming behavior, including suicide pacts with past girlfriends. The pivot towards radicalization seems to have escalated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Associate professor Josh Roose highlighted that Gareth found a sense of belonging and significance through an online connection with an American extremist. This meeting marked a turning point where Gareth's conspiratorial beliefs began to solidify, ultimately leading him to frame the ensuing violence as a righteous battle against a corrupt government. As the court proceedings unfolded, it became evident that the trio had developed an ideology that positioned law enforcement as agents of evil. The inquest examined the moment when the three believed they were at war with police, a belief that prompted them to open fire when officers responded to a request for assistance at their property. While Roose classified the ambush as an act of terrorism, the term's applicability remains contested among those involved in the inquest. Roose argued that their actions met the legal definition of terrorism as an act intended to coerce the public or government to further an ideological cause. In contrast, Aboud emphasized the personal nature of their motivations, suggesting that their actions stemmed from a psychiatric issue rather than a broader agenda. The Wieambilla shooting is a chilling reminder of how deeply entrenched beliefs can spiral into violence, particularly when coupled with mental health struggles. As the inquest continues, it raises questions about the need for greater awareness around the signs of radicalization and the importance of mental health interventions before such tragedies unfold. The tragic fate of the Train family serves as a cautionary tale, underscoring that the intersection of mental illness and extremist ideologies can lead to unfathomable consequences.