Clare Nowland, the 95-year-old woman with dementia who was allegedly tased by police in her aged care home in Cooma NSW, has died.
In a statement, NSW police said Nowland died Wednesday night surrounded by loved ones.
“Our thoughts and condolences remain with those who were lucky enough to know, love and be loved by Mrs Nowland during a life she led hallmarked by family, kindness and community,” said the statement.
NSW police commissioner Karen Webb confirmed the news of Nowland’s death at a Wednesday night press conference, saying detectives have been “working around the clock” over the “nasty incident” involving Nowland.
A week after the alleged tasering, an officer has been charged with recklessly causing grievous bodily harm, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and common assault.
The officer, Senior constable Kristian White, 33, is due to appear in a local Cooma court on 5 July for the offences.
Nowland was allegedly tasered by police after she was found holding a steak knife in her aged care home in Cooma. She sustained critical injuries including a fractured skull in the incident.
Webb said investigators are gathering evidence, and the charges against the officer involved could be upgraded based on Nowland’s condition.
“The Nowland family have been informed of this development and our prayers and thoughts are with Mrs Nowland,” Webb said at the press conference.
White has been suspended from duty with pay, with Webb saying he is innocent until proven guilty.
“This has been traumatic for everyone in the police force and this is one matter while the rest of the police force does its job 24/7 to protect and look after the citizens of NSW,” said Webb.
NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley also expressed her condolences over the incident on Wednesday night.
“Our sympathies and thoughts are also extended to the community of Cooma, Mrs Nowland’s friends, as well as the residents and carers at Cooma Yallambee Lodge,” she said.
“We will continue to offer support to the Nowland family as they mourn this loss, and we urge people to respect their privacy at this time.”