The coroner’s court has reconvened to examine the heartbreaking death of 16‑year‑old Indigenous teen Cleveland Dodd, who died after self‑harming at Unit 18, a youth wing within Casuarina Prison, Perth. The inquest first opened in April 2024 and resumed on June 30, 2025 for further submissions .
Cleveland’s Final Hours
In the early hours of October 12, 2023, Cleveland was found unresponsive in his cell after repeatedly begging for water and medical attention, and covering the CCTV camera with tissue . At 1:35 am, he made his eighth self-harm threat via intercom, but although staff briefly spoke to him, he was left alone. A code red was issued at 1:54 am, paramedics arrived around 2:06 am, but regained access only after a nine-minute delay; Cleveland was in cardiac arrest . He suffered a severe brain injury and died in hospital on October 19, 2023 .
A Mother’s Voice: Grief and Outrage
His mother, Nadene Dodd, described Unit 18 in court as a “hellhole” and told of her heartbreak:
“I thought my son was safe … and that he would leave detention rehabilitated … better, not worse off,” she shared.
“The concrete box in which he took his last breaths was barren and filthy.”
Systemic Failures Exposed
Evidence during the inquest painted a grim picture of youth detention failures highlighting chronic understaffing, the denial of basic services like water, and prolonged cell isolation . For 77 of his final 93 days, Cleveland spent over 22 hours locked in his cell, a form of solitary equivalent criticized by the UN and human rights bodies .
What Happens Next In the Inquest
The Western Australian Coroner’s Court will hear further submissions on June 30 and July 1, 2025, scrutinizing the decisions that led to Cleveland’s placement in Unit 18 and the delays in response that likely cost him his life .
Why This Matters
Cleveland Dodd’s death was the first recorded youth death in WA custody. The inquest has spotlighted deep shortcomings within the juvenile justice system and intensified calls to redefine youth detention practices to prioritize care and rehabilitation over punishment.
Support Services
If this story has affected you, please consider reaching out:
• 13YARN: 13 92 76 (for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander communities)
• Lifeline: 13 11 14 (available 24/7)
Source: https://nit.com.au/30-06-2025/18824/inquest-resumes-for-indigenous-boy-who-died-in-custody