It will never be known why Jean Govinden shot himself after holding a Sydney businessman and his family hostage inside their home.
But a coroner says it was likely he was acting at the behest of someone else and that it was connected to his hostage's business turning sour.
Govinden was found by police lying on his back in the ensuite of Anthony Ghalloub's West Ryde home on March 14, 2012.
There was a shortened rifle lying next to him and he had a single gunshot wound to his head.
An inquest into his death has revealed how at the time Govinden and his hostage Mr Ghalloub were under financial stress - each for their own reasons.
Govinden, who had penchant for guns and gambling had been unemployed for almost a year and had racked up debts of at least $117,000.
Investors, meanwhile had handed over millions to Mr Ghalloub who was trying to give the impression their funds were secure.
In about September 2012, however, he announced the money had been lost.
The inquest heard Govinden had turned up to the Ghalloub's home pretending to be a police officer.
Brandishing a .22 calibre rifle, he held them hostage for more than an hour with Govinden saying "My head's on a bounty ... If I don't get out of here with money I'm as good as dead."
In handing down his findings on Wednesday, Deputy State Coroner Paul MacMahon said police had not been able to find a financial connection between Govinden and Mr Ghalloub.
But one disgruntled investor, John Khalil, had tried to scare him into getting his money back.
Veronica Ghalloub's brother had also received threatening texts from an unknown number.
In December 2012, Mr Ghalloub's father had his Mercedes torched.
Despite Mr MacMahon describing Mr Khalil as an "evasive witness", he said there was no evidence to suggest Govinden went to the Ghalloub home at his behest.
But, he said, it was probable he did so on behalf of someone.
"It can never be known why when police arrived ... Govinden chose to end his life," Mr MacMahon said.
Perhaps the realisation he was likely to spend some time in prison was too much, the inquest found.
Or perhaps his comment that he would be as good as dead if he left without money had significance.
Mr MacMahon made only one recommendation and that was off the back of the threatening texts sent to Mrs Ghalloub's brother.
He said when people purchase a SIM card they should have to provide proof of identity so such communications can be tracked.
Share
