‘Tragic death’ in NT prison will be investigated, promises NTG

THE ‘tragic death’ of the Territory’s first known contract killer Christopher Malyschko will be thoroughly investigated, insists Attorney-General Natasha Fyles

Zak Grieve, Christopher Malyschko, Bronwyn Buttery as drawn in 2012

THE “tragic death” of the Territory’s first known contract killer Christopher Malyschko will be thoroughly investigated, insists Attorney-General Natasha Fyles.

Malyschko, 31, was found dead inside his cell in Darwin’s Holtze prison on August 20.

According to reports by ABC Darwin, two separate sources close to the investigation said a drug-related death was most likely.

Both sources claimed Malyschko was known to be using synthetic cannabis.

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However, Ms Fyles remained tight-tipped about the use of drugs at the NT facility.

“In terms of the death, as a death in custody, that will be a matter for investigation,” she said. “I would not place any comment or pre-empt that.

“That will be thoroughly investigated.”

Ms Fyles also wouldn’t comment on why Malyschko’s cell did not have a camera covering the entrance.

NT AG Natasha Fyles remained tight tipped on areas of the investigation. Picture: Keri Megelus

“There’s a range of measures that are used to keep people safe,” she said.

“That will be — I’m sure — one of the questions that will be looked at in the wake of this tragic death … it is a big facility, there is a range of levels of security of prisoners.”

NT Corrections boss Scott McNairn said the death of Malyschko was a “tragic event” — and there would be an inquest which could last up to a year. Under the NT Coroners Act, an inquest must be held for a death in custody.

“We have a duty of care for all prisoners and prisoner safety is a number one priority,” he said. Mr McNairn said prisoners had been offered counselling and health support.

Malyschko had served eight years of a life sentence for the killing of Ray Niceforo in 2011 in Katherine.

The murder was a contract killing taken out at the behest of Malyschko’s mother, who pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was released on parole several years ago.

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Niceforo was the estranged partner of Malyschko’s mother, Bronwyn Buttery, and subjected her to physical and emotional abuse.

Malyschko was sentenced to prison in 2013 with a non-parole period of 18 years, back dated to October 27, 2011.

Controversially, their mate Zak Grieve, who bailed from the murder plot at the 11th hour, was also convicted of Niceforo’s murder.