UPDATE: The long search for answers surrounding the 1988 death of Aboriginal teenager Mark Haines has reached a critical juncture. A fresh coronial inquest, which began in April 2024, has just wrapped up witness evidence, yet the family remains in limbo as findings are delayed.
Mark Haines’ body was found slumped on railway tracks in northern New South Wales on a rainy morning in January 1988. Discovered by a passing train at approximately 6 AM, he had last been seen by his girlfriend just two-and-a-half hours earlier. Initial investigations concluded that Haines had either laid on the tracks in a dazed state or intentionally.
An autopsy revealed he died from a traumatic head injury, but an inquest in 1989 returned an open finding. For over **37 years**, the Haines family has fiercely contested these findings, believing police failed to adequately investigate the circumstances of Mark’s death.
During the final week of the inquest, Mark’s brother, Ron Haines, expressed the family’s enduring pain. “All we’ve ever wanted is some closure for our family and for Mum and Dad, who aren’t here to see this day,” he stated. “We just want the truth about what happened to our Mark and why.”
Don Craigie, Mark’s uncle, has been at the forefront of the family’s quest for justice, alleging that police investigations were hindered by racial bias. Craigie revealed troubling details about the investigation, including the discovery of a white Torana—the stolen vehicle linked to Mark’s death—left unexamined for weeks. He noted, “I decided to bust open the boot myself,” where he found items that appeared to have blood.
The inquest has revealed conflicting theories about Mark’s death, including suggestions of foul play. Senior Detective Craig Dunn testified that two similar vehicles were seen in the area on the night of Mark’s death, one being the stolen Torana. Dunn remarked, “I always believed there’s someone involved.”
However, Detective Sergeant Peter Rudens, who reviewed the case in 2023, posited that Mark’s death was likely a misadventure or suicide—a theory that has sparked further debate among family and officials alike.
New evidence emerged during the inquest, prompting additional hearings. Witness Jason Cupitt came forward, recalling a moment he saw Mark’s friend, Glenn Mannion, driving a Torana the night of the incident, contradicting Mannion’s earlier testimony denying involvement.
Coroner Harriet Grahame concluded the inquest but warned the family that findings may not be released until 2026. “This has taken longer than I thought and it’s not finished yet,” she stated, leaving the family in a state of anxious anticipation.
Despite the prolonged struggle for answers, Ron Haines expressed gratitude for the ongoing support. “It means a lot to finally be heard,” he said, emphasizing the family’s hope for justice.
As this story develops, the emotional toll on the Haines family persists, a poignant reminder of the profound impact of unresolved tragedy. For anyone in need, support is available via Lifeline at 13 11 14 or 13YARN at 13 92 76.
