Jadyn Stimson found mentally incompetent over shooting of beloved Lucindale police officer Jason Doig

7NEWS

22-04-2025

The 26-year-old charged over the shooting death of Lucindale police officer Jason Doig has been found not guilty due to mental incompetence in the Adelaide Supreme Court on Tuesday.
Jadyn Stimson was facing murder charges over the death of Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig, and the attempted murder of Sergeant Michael Hutchins at a rural property in Senior, about 15km north of Bordertown in November 2023.
Sergeant Hutchins suffered serious injuries during the incident, in which Stimson was shot by police.
A third police officer, Constable Rebekah Cass, was also present and helped the injured men.
Stimson suffered life-threatening injuries and was flown to the Royal Adelaide Hospital for treatment.
He has since recovered.
Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig is the 62nd South Australian police officer to pay the ultimate price for keeping the community safe.
The last SAPOL officer to be killed while on duty was in 2002, while the last time one was killed by a firearm was in 1985.
A lawyer for Stimson previously told the court his client admitted the objective elements, such as shooting Brevet Sergeant Doig on the day of the shooting.
Justice Sandi McDonald today ruled Mr Stimson was mentally incompetent at the time.
'I find on the balance of probabilities that Mr Stimson was mentally incompetent to commit the offences of murder and attempted murder,' she said.
'I find him mentally incompetent on the basis his thinking and judgement were profoundly affected by psychosis such that he was unable to reason with his conduct as perceived by reasonable people.'
The court previously heard Stimson had been diagnosed with a psychotic mental illness, which was 'likely to be schizophrenia' according to Stimson's lawyer.
Justice McDonald said she had read the evidence, and even if the lawyers had not agreed she would have made the same finding.
She said she was also satisfied the objective elements of the incident had been proved beyond reasonable doubt, including that Stimson shot both men.
In a statement released to the public on Tuesday, SAPOL expressed their sorrow for losing an outstanding officer in the state's South East.
'The death of Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig has had a profound impact on his family, the community and every member of South Australia Police,' they said.
'This is particularly so amongst his colleagues in the South-East of the state where his loss is still deeply felt. Jason was a valued friend and colleague to many. He was also a respected member of the local community.
'Jason's death has also tragically highlighted the dangers frontline police face serving the community each day.'
In the statement, SAPOL said Doig's family was aware that Stimson was going to be found not guilty over his murder due to mental incompetence at the time of the shooting.
'Jason's family has been kept apprised of the discussions between the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Martin Hinton KC and counsel for the man charged with Jason's murder and the attempted murder of Sergeant Michael Hutchinson,' they said.
They were advised last month of the decision taken by the DPP and his reasons that the accused's mental state was such that he was mentally incompetent at the time of the incident.'
SAPOL also acknowledged that Stimson had taken responsibility for the shooting.
'While the Supreme Court will now decide his custodial future, it is important to note the offender has taken responsibility for his actions and admitted he committed the violent acts he was charged with,' they said.
'South Australia Police appreciate the significant consideration this matter has been subject to.
'Regardless of the outcome of this tragedy, it will be of little solace to Jason's family, friends and colleagues who still mourn his senseless loss.'
The matter will return to court in July, when victim impact statements are expected to be presented to the court.