Court finds Jaydn Stimson mentally incompetent in murder of police officer Jason Doig, attempted murder of Michael Hutchinson

The state’s top cop has released a statement following a major update in the case against the man who shot and killed the beloved police officer.

The man who shot and killed a beloved country police officer and seriously injured his colleague will never face a criminal trial after a court found he was mentally incompetent when he fired the gun.

In the South Australian Supreme Court on Tuesday morning, Justice Sandi McDonald found 27-year-old Jaydn Stimson was not mentally competent when he shot and killed Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig in November 2023 in what the state’s top cop labelled a “senseless loss”.

Stimson, from Senior in the state’s southeast, was charged with one count each of murder and attempted murder after shooting Sgt Doig and his colleague Sergeant Michael Hutchinson after the policemen responded to a call-out to the property when the shooting unfolded.

After finding the defence of mental incompetence had been established, Justice McDonald formally found Stimson not guilty of the charges of murder and attempted murder.

In April, Mr Stimson admitted to the elements of the murder charge with his lawyer, Andrew Graham, telling the court they would be exploring a mental health defence.

Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig from Lucindale was killed in November 2023. Picture: Supplied

He was shot alongside colleague Sgt Michael Hutchinson, who was seriously injured. Picture: Supplied

That defence, on Tuesday, was not opposed by Director of Public Prosecutions Martin Hinton KC.

“The prosecution and defence agree that you may dispense of the investigation and record a finding that the defendant was mentally incompetent to commit the offences,” Mr Hinton said.

“I find on the balance of probabilities that Mr Stimson was mentally incompetent to commit the offences of murder and attempted murder,” Justice McDonald said.

“I find him mentally incompetent on the basis that his thinking and judgment were profoundly affected by psychosis.

“I am satisfied that the objective elements have been proven beyond reasonable doubt – that is that Mr Stimson shot both Brevet Sergeant Jason Christopher Doig and Sergeant Michael Hutchinson, resulting in the death of Brevet Sgt Doig, and serious injury of Sgt Hutchinson.

Jaydn Stimson, 27, was found not guilty by way of mental incompetence. Picture: Supplied

The court heard he was experiencing psychosis when he fired the fatal shot. Picture: Supplied –

Mr Hinton told the court the people of Lucindale, where Brevet Sgt Doig served, would be submitting a community impact statement which will likely be read to the court at the next occasion, along with victim impact statements.

“I have received the equivalent of a community impact statement from the community in Lucindale and possibly from the police,” Mr Hinton said.

Stimson will remain in James Nash house until July when the impact statements will be provided to the court, and a limiting term will be set.

Following the hearing, Police Commissioner Grant Stevens, in a statement, said that despite Stimson taking responsibility for his crimes, the outcome would be of “little solace” to the Doig family.

“Jason’s death has also tragically highlighted the dangers frontline police face serving the community each day,” Commissioner Stevens.

“Police officers start their shift not knowing what their day will entail or what possible dangers they may face, but they confront each task knowing that danger is ever present.

“While police are highly trained for all operational situations, unfortunately, more and more taskings now involve mental illness and have the potential to escalate, just like the incident that claimed Jason’s life.”

Flowers left at Lucindale police station after the incident in November 2023. Picture Supplied

The Commissioner said the Doig family had been “kept apprised” of discussions between Mr Hinton and Mr Graham, and were advised last month of the decision taken by the DPP.

“While the Supreme Court will now decide his custodial future, it is important to note the offender has taken responsibility for his actions and admitted he committed the violent acts he was charged with. South Australia Police appreciate the significant consideration this matter has been subject to,” Commissioner Stevens said.

“Regardless of the outcome of this tragedy, it will be of little solace to Jason’s family, friends and colleagues who still mourn his senseless loss.”