Tragic death of veteran photographer sparks police probe into alleged assault

The arts community is in mourning after the tragic death of a veteran photographer who passed away in a hospital following an alleged assault in an outdoor strip mall. 

The incident, which has sent shockwaves through both the creative and local communities, has prompted the police to review the charges against the accused, raising questions about justice, public safety, and the broader implications of recent immigration policy changes.

Dominic O’Brien, 62, was more than just a photographer—he was a storyteller whose images graced the pages of Australia’s most respected publications. 

His work appeared in The Australian, The Age, The Daily Telegraph, and the Sydney Morning Herald, as well as with agencies such as AAP and Getty Images. 

O’Brien’s lens captured the pulse of city life and the heart of remote Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory, where he spent significant time documenting stories often overlooked by mainstream media.

Colleagues remember O’Brien as a passionate professional, always ready to go the extra mile for the perfect shot, and as someone who used his craft to give a voice to the voiceless. 

On the morning of 15 June, O’Brien was allegedly attacked at the intersection of Nicholson and Paisley Streets in Footscray. 

According to police reports, 43-year-old Lominja Friday Yokoju approached O’Brien, engaged in a brief conversation, and then, in a shocking escalation, struck him and stomped on his head as he lay on the ground. 

O’Brien was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries nearly a week later, on the morning of 21 June.

Yokoju was arrested on the day of the incident and initially charged with intentionally causing serious injury. 

However, with O’Brien’s passing, police have confirmed they will review the charges, pending the results of a post-mortem. Homicide or manslaughter charges may now be considered.

The case has drawn additional attention due to the background of the accused. Yokoju is part of the so-called NZYQ cohort—a group of more than 200 former immigration detainees released after a landmark High Court ruling found their ongoing detention unconstitutional when there was no reasonable prospect of deportation. 

At the time of the alleged assault, Yokoju was reportedly on a bridging visa.

This detail has reignited debate about the management and monitoring of released detainees, with some calling for stricter oversight and others warning against stigmatising vulnerable individuals. 

The case will likely fuel ongoing discussions about the balance between individual rights and community safety, especially as Australia grapples with the complexities of immigration law.

What happens next?

Yokoju is scheduled to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court for a committal hearing on 20 October. 

In the meantime, Victoria Police have stated: ‘Investigators will consider alternate charges following the results of a post-mortem.’ 

The legal process will be closely watched by those seeking justice for O’Brien, policymakers, and advocates on all sides of the immigration debate.

As the investigation continues, friends and colleagues remember O’Brien for his warmth, generosity, and unwavering commitment to his craft. 

Tributes have poured in from across the country, with many sharing stories of his kindness and the impact of his work.

‘While I didn’t know Dominic O’Brien (RIP) personally, I’ve since learnt he captured great moments in his career as a photographer. Hopefully, with patience and enough focus, we can also view things through different lenses,’ wrote Thomas Foreman in a social media post. 

For those of us who value the power of storytelling and the importance of community, O’Brien’s death is a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the need for compassion and justice.

Have you been affected by violence in your community, or do you have memories of Dominic O’Brien’s work? What are your thoughts on the challenges facing our justice and immigration systems? 

We invite you to share your reflections and experiences in the comments below. Let’s honour O’Brien’s legacy by keeping the conversation going and supporting one another through difficult times.

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