The name Dominic Saliba has become tied to one of the most confronting criminal cases to emerge from the NSW South Coast in recent years. The fatal stabbing of 18-year-old Bailey Jones during a house party on 9 December 2022 shocked the Bomaderry community and sparked a long-running court process that involved a murder charge, a judge-alone trial, a heated debate over intent and, ultimately, a manslaughter conviction. What began as a casual gathering among relatives and close friends spiralled into a tragedy that would shape the lives of two families and fuel wider discussions about young people, weapons, conflict and the limits of the law.
This blog examines the full story of Dominic Saliba, from the events leading up to the fatal encounter to the investigation, trial, sentencing, firearm charge and the emotional response from Bailey Jones’ family. It explores how the case unfolded, why the verdict was delivered the way it was, and what the outcome means for criminal justice and community safety in New South Wales.
Who Is Dominic Saliba & How Was He Connected to Bailey Jones?
At the centre of the case is Dominic Saliba, a young man from the Shoalhaven region of NSW. Public information about his early life is limited, but at the time of his sentencing he was 22 years old. What has been widely reported is that the victim, Bailey Jones, was not a stranger, outsider or rival. He was Saliba’s cousin, part of the same close-knit group of young adults who frequently spent time together. Friends described the pair as having a strong bond and spending much of their social life in the same circles.
On the night of the incident, around 10 people had gathered at the Bomaderry home where Dominic Saliba lived with family. The gathering was described as relaxed and casual, with music playing, people joking around in the garage and small amounts of cannabis and cash being handled among those present. It was the kind of informal summer gathering that frequently takes place among young people on the South Coast.
Beyond his age and connection to the local community, little else is known publicly about Dominic Saliba’s background. Court reports and media coverage focused almost entirely on the events of the night, the legal proceedings and his criminal record rather than his private life.
The Night Bailey Jones Died-How the Dominic Saliba Bomaderry Party Turned Fatal
The lead-up to the stabbing paints a picture of a night that began like any other. Young friends spent the evening in the garage, smoking cannabis, joking around and handling containers that held money and marijuana. At some point, Dominic Saliba and Bailey Jones began “slapboxing” – a form of play fighting that often happens among young men testing each other’s reactions and strength. The judge later described them as “mucking around”, but witnesses said the mood shifted.
Those present recalled tension emerging over comments relating to cash or cannabis. One witness described Dominic Saliba handling a container of money and saying, “This is mine,” in a tone that suggested rising conflict rather than light-hearted banter. What followed was a brief but critical sequence of events that would become the centre of the later trial.
Bailey Jones followed Dominic Saliba from the garage into the house, headed towards the kitchen area. Moments later, Bailey stumbled back clutching his chest, bleeding heavily and struggling to breathe. He had been stabbed in the upper chest. An ambulance was called, and paramedics worked urgently before he was airlifted to hospital, where he died shortly afterwards.
The question of exactly what happened in the kitchen—whether the stabbing was deliberate, reckless or accidental—formed the core of the legal battle that followed.
Early Police Response & Initial Charges Against Dominic Saliba
A homicide investigation began immediately. Within days, Dominic Saliba was arrested in Bomaderry. Footage captured at the time showed him hugging close family members before police took him into custody. Officers recovered a knife believed to be the weapon used in the killing.
Dominic Saliba was charged with:
• Murder over the death of Bailey Jones
• Possessing an unauthorised firearm
• Not keeping a firearm safely
He was refused bail in Nowra Local Court and remained in custody from December 2022 onwards. Detectives gathered forensic evidence, seized electronic devices and used listening devices to record conversations related to the incident.
Conflicting Stories-What Dominic Saliba Said Happened in the Kitchen
From the outset, Dominic Saliba admitted being present and holding a knife, but his explanations shifted significantly over time.
In early interviews, he claimed that Bailey had “fallen on the knife”. Later, in private conversations recorded by listening devices, he told a friend that Bailey had “shaped up” to him, prompting him to grab a knife and “jab him three times”. He also said Bailey “died in my arms”, calling him his cousin and best mate.
In other remarks, he suggested Bailey “tripped on the blade”. During his later court evidence, Dominic Saliba attempted to explain away the inconsistencies, saying he exaggerated details because he thought the person he was speaking to “looked up” to him.
The judge ultimately rejected this explanation, considering his earlier admissions more reliable than his later claims.
The Dominic Saliba Trial-From Murder Charge to Manslaughter Verdict
Why the Dominic Saliba Case Was Heard as a Judge-Alone Trial
Unlike most homicide matters, the trial of Dominic Saliba was conducted without a jury. The defence applied for a judge-alone trial, which was accepted under NSW legislation. The case was ultimately determined by Justice Dina Yehia after nearly two weeks of evidence in Nowra.
How the Court Assessed Intent in the Dominic Saliba Proceedings
The central legal issue was whether Dominic Saliba had the intent required for murder or whether his actions were better classified as manslaughter.
Justice Yehia found that Saliba did stab his cousin in the chest—an act both dangerous and unlawful—but the prosecution had not proven beyond reasonable doubt that he intended to kill or cause serious harm. She delivered the following verdict:
• Guilty of manslaughter
• Not guilty of murder
Forensic Evidence in the Dominic Saliba Trial
The forensic evidence became a crucial element of the prosecution’s case. The knife contained fingerprints belonging to Dominic Saliba and DNA from both Saliba and Bailey. An autopsy revealed a deep stab wound of about 85–90mm, inconsistent with a fall.
Combined with earlier recorded admissions where Dominic Saliba spoke of “jabbing” Bailey multiple times and needing to “come up with a story”, the forensic findings strongly undermined any claim of an accidental stabbing.
The Firearm in the Roof-Extra Charge Against Dominic Saliba
During the search of the Bomaderry property, officers found a hidden modified .303 rifle concealed in a roof cavity. Footage later viewed by the court showed Dominic Saliba spray-painting the gun just hours before the party. It was unregistered, and he did not have a firearms licence.
He later pleaded guilty to possessing the firearm and failing to store it safely.
Sentencing Dominic Saliba-Jail Term, Non-Parole Period & Parole Date
On 30 June 2025, Justice Yehia sentenced Dominic Saliba to seven years and nine months in prison, with a non-parole period of four years and three months. His earliest possible parole date is 21 July 2027.
When sentencing, the judge considered:
• The seriousness of stabbing an unarmed relative
• The breach of trust involved
• His criminal history, including being on an intensive correction order at the time
• Elements of remorse
However, she also noted concerns about Saliba’s temper and impulse control.
Grief, Anger & Impact on Bailey Jones’ Family
Bailey Jones’ family delivered powerful victim impact statements, describing him as a caring and unique young man. His mother spoke of living in a “nightmare” since losing her son, stating she stood before Dominic Saliba “in honour of Bailey”.
Following sentencing, the family expressed disappointment that Saliba could be released on parole in his mid-20s.
How the Dominic Saliba Case Fits into NSW Manslaughter Law
The case has been used in broader discussions about:
• The distinction between murder and manslaughter
• The application of judge-alone trials
• Sentencing ranges for sudden or single-blow fatal stabbings
While Dominic Saliba was acquitted of murder, the manslaughter conviction did not accept his accidental narrative. The judge ruled he engaged in a dangerous act but lacked proven murderous intent.
Lessons & Social Questions Raised by the Dominic Saliba Case
The case highlights:
• How quickly routine gatherings can escalate when weapons and drugs are present
• The impact of emotional volatility among young adults
• The need for stronger support and education around conflict management
For Bailey’s family, no sentence can restore what was lost. For Dominic Saliba, the consequences will follow him beyond his time in custody. For the community, the case stands as a stark reminder of the dangers of knife-related violence.
Key Dates in the Dominic Saliba Case
• 9 December 2022 – Bailey Jones is stabbed and later dies in hospital.
• 22–23 December 2022 – Dominic Saliba is arrested and charged.
• 2023–2024 – Investigation continues while Saliba remains in custody.
• 11 March 2025 – Judge-alone trial preparations become public.
• 2 April 2025 – Dominic Saliba found guilty of manslaughter.
• April 2025 – Pleads guilty to possessing an unlicensed firearm.
• 18 June 2025 – Bailey’s mother delivers a victim impact statement.
• 30 June 2025 – Sentenced to seven years and nine months.
• 21 July 2027 – Earliest parole date.
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