In a poignant courtroom encounter, Sergeant Michael Hutchinson, a South Australian police officer, came face-to-face with Jaydn Stimson, the man who fatally shot his colleague, Sergeant Jason Doig, during a routine welfare check near Bordertown. Eighteen months after the tragedy, which left an indelible mark on Hutchinson, he expressed a complex mix of emotions towards Stimson, who was deemed not guilty of murder due to mental incompetence.
Hutchinson, who had known Stimson since childhood, articulated his feelings with surprising clarity, stating, “I don’t hate him… Hate is a negative thing that just doesn’t benefit anybody.” He conveyed a sense of hope for Stimson’s recovery, while firmly asserting, “I just don’t want to see him again.” The memory of cradling his dying partner remains a haunting burden for Hutchinson, who revealed, “The guilt I carry that Jason died on my watch is something I’ll live with for the rest of my life.”
The court learned that Stimson was suffering from undiagnosed psychosis at the time of the shooting. This tragic incident occurred after Stimson fired at officers who had responded to his property, following a report of a dog being shot. During the ambush, Hutchinson and other officers were met with gunfire, leading to Doig’s death in Hutchinson’s arms despite all efforts to save him.
In a statement submitted to the court, Doig’s mother expressed her profound grief, lamenting that “no parent should ever have to bury their child.” Reflecting on the impact of the incident, Senior Constable Rebekah Cass recounted her near-miss during the confrontation, underscoring the precariousness of their situation.
Stimson’s defence counsel noted that he had been largely uncommunicative over the past 18 months, but following the reading of victim impact statements, he visibly shook and expressed remorse, saying, “I won’t be forgiven but I’d like to tell them I’m sorry.” Ultimately, he was found not guilty of murder and has been sentenced to life under mental health supervision at James Nash House.
Hutchinson’s confrontation with Stimson highlights a broader conversation about mental health, accountability, and the emotional toll on first responders. The tragedy serves as a reminder of the inherent dangers faced by police officers and the devastating consequences that can arise from untreated mental health issues.