Deaths in Custody Part 2 The Family's Story

Deaths in Custody: The Wardle Family’s Search for Justice

When discussing deaths in custody, it’s crucial to move beyond statistics and reviews—there are real families and real stories behind each tragedy. In this second part of our series, we delve into the heart-wrenching story of the Wardle family, who lost their 19-year-old son, Stephen Wardle, in 1989. The Wardle family’s experience reveals the painful realities many families endure when seeking answers and justice in cases of deaths in custody.

Stephen Wardle: More Than Just a Statistic

We recently spent time with Mr. and Mrs. Wardle, sharing a meal and discussing cherished memories of their son, Stephen. Stephen, just 19 when his life was cruelly taken, became one of the many faces behind Australia’s disturbing record of deaths in custody. The pain and grief expressed by his family remind us that every statistic is a beloved child, sibling, or friend lost far too soon.

The Night That Changed Everything

In 1989, Stephen Wardle was arrested at the East Perth Entertainment Centre. Official reports allege drug involvement—but the actual events were far darker. According to the family, Stephen was brutally beaten by five police officers at the East Perth lockup. The drugs he had were seized from the police drug safe and, shockingly, injected into Stephen by those meant to uphold the law. The postmortem report paints a grim picture of Stephen’s final hours:

• Severe visible injuries, including a large goose egg on his head
• Internal organs damaged beyond what’s typically seen in drug overdose deaths
• Lungs containing three times the normal amount of blood
• An enlarged and soft spleen

These findings were starkly at odds with the official explanation. The Wardle family knew immediately that the truth was being hidden and began the long, painful fight for answers.

The System’s Silence: A Family’s Ongoing Struggle

Despite the horrifying evidence, the Western Australian government did nothing to address Stephen Wardle’s death. The family called for a Royal Commission, demanding accountability and transparency, but for over 30 years, their pleas fell on deaf ears. As trust in the system eroded, the Wardles’ story became one of many highlighting the challenges families face in achieving justice after deaths in custody.

What Families Face After a Death in Custody

The Wardle family’s experience is unfortunately not unique. Many families confronted with a death in custody encounter similar barriers:

• Lack of transparency and slow release of postmortem results
• Contradictory stories from authorities
• Little or no government support or recognition
• Long, exhausting campaigns for public inquiries or royal commissions
• Ongoing trauma with every media report and public discussion

For the Wardles, every unanswered question and official denial was another wound. Yet, they persisted, sharing their story for the sake of Stephen and all those lost in similar circumstances.

Calls for Reform: Lessons from the Wardle Family

The ongoing saga of deaths in custody reveals systemic failures stretching across generations. Stephen Wardle’s tragedy sheds light on the urgent reforms needed to prevent further loss and suffering:

1. Independent oversight: Ensure all deaths in custody are investigated independently from police or correctional authorities.
2. Transparency: Prompt release of postmortem findings and all evidence to families.
3. Family support: Access to professional and legal support for affected families.
4. Public accountability: Regular, open reporting on progress of investigations and recommendations for reforms.

Actionable Advice for Families Facing Tragedy

• Connect with advocacy organizations specializing in deaths in custody.
• Document all interactions with officials and request records in writing.
• Seek legal representation as early as possible.
• Engage media strategically to keep stories visible.
• Build a support network with families who share similar experiences.

While the pathway to justice is daunting, community solidarity and ongoing demands for change can make a difference.

Conclusion: Honoring Stephen and All Victims of Deaths in Custody

The story of Stephen Wardle and his family’s decades-long search for justice personifies the heartbreak and anger felt by hundreds of families affected by deaths in custody. As we amplify these stories, we must continue pushing for transparency, accountability, and compassion. If you or someone you know has been impacted by this issue, consider reaching out to a local advocacy group or sharing your story to help drive change.

Let us honor Stephen’s memory by demanding a better system—one where all deaths in custody are treated with the gravity and respect they deserve.