Krista Kach, a 47-year-old woman, tragically died during a police stand-off on September 14, 2023, after being hit in the heart by a beanbag round fired by law enforcement. The incident occurred after a prolonged 10-hour standoff in Stockton, Newcastle. As the inquest into her death unfolds, New South Wales State Coroner Teresa O'Sullivan noted that there is a notable absence of body-worn camera footage that could have provided critical insights into the events leading to her death.

In preparation for the inquest, which is scheduled to begin in the coming month and will span two weeks, the coroner will be dependent on eyewitness testimonies to piece together the circumstances surrounding Kach's fatal injuries. The use of beanbag rounds is typically framed as a less-than-lethal intervention aimed at de-escalating high-tension situations; however, questions about their safety and the police's response continue to emerge, particularly from Kach's family, who have publicly criticized the actions of the officers involved.

The absence of video evidence raises significant concerns regarding transparency and accountability in police conduct, especially in incidents involving fatal outcomes. This case underscores the ongoing discussions about policing methods, the use of alternative weaponry, and the importance of documenting critical encounters between law enforcement and citizens. As the inquest moves forward, it may prompt further scrutiny of policies surrounding the deployment of non-lethal options and the safeguarding of body-worn camera footage that constitutes a vital resource in legal inquiries.