Darcy Norton and Lynette Cornthwaite have known each other for years, but last night at the Metro Parade in Mawson Lakes, something went horribly wrong.
Assistant Commissioner Scott Duvall said: “Police received a number of distress calls with information that a man had broken into a unit and threatened a woman at the address with a sword.”
“I heard screaming and banging,” said neighbor Kira, while local resident George said he opened the door for police.
Officers found Norton holding a sword and blocking the door.
Pepper spray and tasers were used.
“They then disarmed the man of the sword and tied him up, after which they saw the man with severe wounds to his arms and legs,” Duval added.
There was a large amount of blood in the unit.
“This scene was very shocking for those who attended the police.”
Norton died at the Royal Adelaide Hospital from what police believe were self-inflicted injuries.
Cornthwaite, 41, was traumatized but survived.
Police said the two men knew each other but were not in a relationship.
Norton’s friends spoke positively of the 44-year-old.
“Darcy was Darcy. He would do anything for you if you needed him, you know,” one of them said.
“He was in a relationship where he loved a lady and she didn’t love him back.”
Police revealed that Norton had come to their attention earlier in the day.
They say at 5.30am they were called to nearby Lightsview amid reports that Norton was agitated and threatening people.
He was taken to the Royal Prison in Adelaide but was later released.
The investigating commissioner will investigate the police response.
“From the information I have, I am satisfied that the police’s interaction with him at that moment was appropriate,” Duval said.
