Women ‘not a target’ of Bondi Junction shopping centre stabbing attack, inquest hears
A "floridly psychotic" man who stabbed six people in a shopping centre was not specifically targeting women, the lead police investigator has said.
Joel Cauchi had been forgotten by the mental health system when he armed himself with a 30-centimetre long knife and rampaged through Sydney’s Bondi Junction Westfield on Saturday afternoon on 13 April, 2024.
Six people — including five women — were killed and 10 others injured before the 40-year-old was shot dead by police.
‘Distressing’ browsing history
Counsel assisting Peggy Dwyer SC described the 40-year-old’s web browsing history before the attack as "distressing".
- Cauchi was preoccupied with weapons, violence, and mass killing.
- His interest in death and murder included searches for traits of serial killers and bands they loved.
- Notes on his phone indicated planning a strike at a mall.
- Expert psychiatric evidence is expected to show Cauchi was "floridly psychotic" at the time.
Victims of the attack
Dawn Singleton, 25, Ashlee Good, 38, Jade Young, 47, Pikria Darchia, 55, Yixuan Cheng, 27, and security guard Faraz Tahir, 30, were all tragically killed in the Bondi Junction stabbing attack.
Wrong type of alert issued
The stabbings began about 40 seconds after the sole security guard in the centre’s command post went to the bathroom.
- Security officers issued the wrong type of alert, leading to confusion among emergency responders.
- The area was declared a "hot zone" after Cauchi was shot dead, barring ambulance officers from entering the scene.
- Fortunately, all victims had been treated by paramedics at that time.
Background of the attacker
- Cauchi had been diagnosed with schizophrenia as a teen.
- He had successfully treated for over 18 years before ceasing medication in June 2019.
- His decision to move during the COVID pandemic led to a deterioration in his condition.
- Despite being deemed a "fit and proper" person to get a gun license, no further steps were taken.
- The inquest continues to investigate the events.
For crisis support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467, and Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800. For mental health support, contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. More information is available for those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
—
For the latest from SBS News, and .