16yo death in custody: tragic Cleveland Dodd

Just after 2am on October 12, 2023 an ambulance raced to WA’s main maximum security prison Casuarina.  

A 16-year-old boy had self-harmed inside his cell at the notorious Unit 18 – the juvenile facility located within the grounds of the adult prison.  

The teen was rushed to hospital where was put on life support. One week later, surrounded by family, he took his final breath.  

After his death was grief. From his family, his friends and the community.  

But there was also outrage. How could this happen? Calls for change became deafening shouts.  

An inquiry was held and the revelations uncovered shocked the state.  

That boy’s name was Cleveland Dodd.  

Senior reporter Rebecca LeMay joins host Tim Clarke to walk through the Coronial inquest into Cleveland’s death.

***A warning to our Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander listeners, this episode contains the name of an Indigenous person who has died. This episode also contains content about suicide and self-harm and may be distressing. If you or anyone you know needs support contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 *** See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.