Cleveland Dodd’s Death in Youth Detention Highlights Systemic Deficiencies in Justice System

A 16-year-old boy tragically passed away after being hospitalized in critical condition, marking the first instance of a juvenile dying in a detention facility in Western Australia.

“Cleveland’s death was not due to human error by the staff on the ground … it was the result of deep-rooted and long-standing issues within the system,” a source stated.

The cell where Cleveland was held had a known hanging point that had not been fixed by authorities. Additionally, Cleveland was repeatedly denied counseling services despite his multiple requests and expressed self-harm threats.

Following the inquest into Cleveland Dodd’s death, Bonnie Gentle and Eunice Mippy, his aunts, addressed the media alongside social justice advocate Megan Krakouer at the Central Law Courts in Perth on Monday, December 8, 2025. Source: AAP / Richard Wainwright/AAP Image

During the inquest, the court was informed that the youth justice system was in crisis at the time of Cleveland’s death.

Former Department of Justice director general Adam Tomison conceded it was “cruel, inhuman and degrading” treatment when cross-examined.

The inquest heard Cleveland self-harmed about 1.35am and staff didn’t open his cell door to help him for more than 15 minutes, with paramedics arriving a further 15 minutes later.

The teen was partially revived and taken to hospital but suffered a brain injury because of a lack of oxygen.

He died, surrounded by his family, on October 19, 2023.

In the 12 days leading up to his tragic act, Cleveland was allowed out of his damaged and bare cell for only one to two hours each day.