Homicide Squad Investigates Bedfordale Grandfather’s Death

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The Western Australia homicide squad is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of 53-year-old Elmars Kalejs, who was found injured in a car park in Bedfordale, a southern suburb of Perth.

On April 18, police discovered Kalejs lying seriously injured beside his silver Holden Commodore at the Settlers Common Environmental Centre in Bedfordale. Emergency services rushed him to Royal Perth Hospital with severe head injuries, broken ribs, and a collapsed lung.

Kalejs, a grandfather, had been sleeping in his car when the incident occurred. Despite initial signs of recovery, he remained unable to explain what had happened and later died from his injuries on June 24, more than two months after the discovery.

His daughter, Courtney Mallard, expressed the family’s deep desire for answers. “He was able to start talking again, and then, unfortunately, he went downhill and we lost him,” she said. “We just want to know what happened and put our minds to rest.”

Detective Senior Sergeant Jarrod Manson said police are still working to piece together the events in the 24 hours leading up to Kalejs’s being found. “Elmars wasn’t in a state where he could tell us what happened, hence why we’re still here now trying to figure that out,” Manson said.

Authorities have not ruled out the possibility that Kalejs’ injuries were the result of either a vehicle collision or an assault, and the investigation remains ongoing.

CCTV footage from a nearby Maddington shopping centre has helped police identify the clothing Kalejs was wearing before the incident, but many questions remain unanswered.

To assist the investigation, police have begun distributing flyers with information in food hampers targeted at homeless individuals in the area, hoping someone may have witnessed relevant details. A mobile police unit is also stationed at the old Armadale courthouse, maintaining a presence and encouraging anyone with information to come forward.

Mallard made a heartfelt appeal to the public: “Please just help if you know anything.”

Police continue to ask anyone with information about Kalejs’ injuries or movements on April 18 to contact the homicide squad.

This ongoing investigation highlights the challenges faced by authorities in uncovering the truth behind violent incidents affecting vulnerable community members.