NSW Deputy Coroner Suggests Racism Affected Investigation into Teenager's Death

The NSW deputy state coroner has suggested racism affected the investigation of an Indigenous teenager's death in northern NSW more than 38 years ago.

WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this article contains the name and photos of an Indigenous person who has died, used with the permission of their family.

NSW Police initially concluded 17-year-old Mark Anthony Haines was responsible for his own death, after his body was found on a barren stretch of train tracks a few kilometres south of Tamworth on January 16, 1988.

Today, NSW Deputy State Coroner Harriet Grahame came to a different conclusion.

"I do not know the circumstances that led to Mark [being] on the tracks, but I can rule out suicide," she said.

The Gomeroi teenager's family has always maintained he did not lie down on the tracks and wait to die, but was put there.

Today, his brother Ron Haines told the Tamworth Coroners Court that nothing had changed.

"We do not believe Mark put himself on the tracks intentionally," he said.

"We believe if he was a white boy, this would have been investigated more [thoroughly]."

Judge Grahame agreed.

Judge Grahame today handed down her findings from a fresh inquest that began in April 2024 and wrapped up in mid-October 2025.

"I had hoped in conducting this inquest, we would have a point of greater clarity. It is a matter of personal regret this hasn't been achieved," she told the Tamworth Corners Court.

"I am aware of the all-consuming impact and anger that Mark's death has had on [his family] for almost 40 years.

"I am sorry there is no breakthrough."

Judge Grahame said she was "confident" in the evidence that had been presented to the inquest, but said it was "highly likely that people in the community have knowledge of this case and have not shared it with police".

"It is a frustrating realisation, and I acknowledge that it offers no comfort to those who love Mark," she said.

Judge Grahame drew particular attention to the evidence provided by Glen Mannion, saying there were aspects of his behaviour she found "unusual".

"Glenn is said to be one of [Mr Haines's] best friends, but he was shown a lack of interest since his death to find more answers," she said.

"I doubt Glenn Mannion has been fully open with this court.

"Despite his emphatic denials, I remain unconvinced Mr Mannion has shared with this court all he knows."

Donald Craigie told the inquest he took responsibility for finding out how his nephew died.

"We knew our Mark and we know he didn't walk out on those tracks that day," he said.

"We believe Mark met with foul play, and someone out there knows."

Lorna Haines told the court about the effect her brother's death had on the family.

"The police knocked on the door and told us, the world stood still and Mum dropped to the floor crying, I too started crying ... and Ron couldn't control himself," she said.

Suicide ruled out

Judge Grahame found the 17-year-old died of traumatic head injuries "in suspicious circumstances".

"But those circumstances are unknown," she said.

"I am satisfied it was not of his own doing."

The Deputy State Coroner recommended the case be referred to the NSW Police Unsolved Homicide Squad for further investigation.