Verdict Reached in Manslaughter Case of Tasered 95-Year-Old Woman

A police officer in Australia was found guilty of manslaughter for using a Taser on 95-year-old Clare Nowland, who later died from her injuries. The officer argued he acted reasonably due to perceived threats, but the court determined his actions were unjustified given the woman's vulnerable condition.

In a landmark case that has stirred public sentiments, police officer Kristian White has been found guilty of manslaughter following the tragic death of 95-year-old Clare Nowland. The incident took place on May 17, 2023, in a care home in Cooma, New South Wales, where Mrs. Nowland, who was exhibiting symptoms of dementia, was found wandering with kitchen knives. White, 34, argued during the trial that he used his Taser in response to an imminent threat, dismissing the urgency of the situation.

The Crown's case highlighted Mrs. Nowland's frailty—at just 48kg (105lbs) and reliant on a walker, she posed little threat. According to prosecutor Brett Hatfield, White's impatience and failure to assess the scene led to the unnecessary deployment of his Taser. Before being shot, Mrs. Nowland was seen shuffling slowly and had not advanced toward White in an aggressive manner.

Emergency services were called to Yallambee Lodge early that morning after residents reported Mrs. Nowland's unusual behavior. Although she had been holding knives, staff had already attempted safe disarmament. Footage shown in court depicted Mrs. Nowland's gradual movement toward the officers, with a significant distance remaining when White chose to fire his weapon. The incident resulted in a fatal brain injury that led to her death a week later.

Although White expressed remorse for the outcome, he maintained in his reports that he felt compelled to act quickly to prevent potential violence. However, testimonies from other officers present suggested they felt safe and believed Mrs. Nowland could have been avoided if they had moved away, given her limited mobility.

Following the jury's decision, the Nowland family expressed their gratitude to the judicial system, asserting the need for accountability in the criminal actions taken against Clare. Meanwhile, New South Wales Police Commissioner Karen Webb confirmed that White's employment status is under review, and the protocols surrounding Taser use will be evaluated further. White is currently on bail, awaiting sentencing in this distressing case that has raised questions about the treatment of vulnerable individuals in care facilities.