In September 2023, a disturbing incident unfolded in Sydney’s Georges River where a young girl, dressed as a princess, found herself in a life-threatening situation. As she stood on a bridge with another girl, 39-year-old Hoda Elabady asked, “Do you want to go to heaven?” Despite the child’s optimistic response about her dream of becoming a police officer, Elabady threw her into the river 1.8 metres below. She then similarly tossed the second girl after posing another chilling question.
Elabady faced court on charges of attempting to drown both girls with intent to murder, claiming her severe mental illness precluded her from being held accountable. Living with schizophrenia, she was experiencing acute psychosis during the incident, leading her to believe she was compelled to harm the children.
Witnesses in court recounted Elabady’s detached demeanor as she watched the girls struggling to survive in the water. The judge, Huw Baker, noted the girls’ desperate cries for help as they clung to each other, attempting to stay afloat. Ultimately, their plight was noticed by a passer-by, who rescued them after they had been in the water for approximately two hours and subsequently took them to a hospital for treatment.
The judge concluded that while Elabady had indeed tried to drown the children, her mental health issues meant she could not be criminally held responsible. Experts indicated that she had been grappling with an untreated mental condition since the age of 17, and her mental state had declined in the months leading up to the incident. She had expressed delusional beliefs, including alleged conversations with an angel, and showed signs of serious psychological distress.
The court acknowledged the bravery exhibited by the young girls during the traumatic episode, which Baker described as horrific. Moving forward, he assured that withproper treatment, Elabady was not likely to pose a threat to herself or others.
For anyone in need of support, Lifeline can be contacted at 13 11 14, or reach out to Beyond Blue. In emergencies, dial Triple Zero (000).