On April 13, 2024, Joel Cauchi committed a tragic attack in Sydney’s Bondi Junction, resulting in the deaths of six individuals and injuries to ten others. Cauchi, a 40-year-old with a history of mental health issues, was armed with a 30-centimetre knife during the incident and was eventually shot dead by police Inspector Amy Scott. His past included a prior accusation of assaulting his father after the elder Cauchi removed several knives from their home due to safety concerns.
Cauchi’s mental health struggles were known to Queensland police; he had been diagnosed with schizophrenia during his teenage years but had previously managed his condition through medication and therapy. However, witnesses reported changes in his behaviour leading up to the attack, noting episodes that included pacing at odd hours.
In January 2023, Cauchi contacted police after his father confiscated his knife collection—a collection that included the very type of knife used in the mall assault. The police body-cam footage revealed Cauchi’s insistence on getting his knives back, stating their value and voicing discomfort over his father’s actions. His parents expressed concerns over their son’s mental state during this confrontation, highlighting significant worries stemming from his erratic behaviour.
Despite claiming to feel “terrific” and attributing his wellbeing to discontinuing medication—which he said caused unpleasant side effects—Cauchi’s condition had deteriorated. He had already disconnected from the mental health support system by March 2020, putting him at risk.
The state’s coronial inquest aims to clarify what transpired during the tragic events, providing insights for the victims’ families. Among those who lost their lives were Dawn Singleton, Ashlee Good, Jade Young, Pikria Darchia, Yixuan Cheng, and security guard Faraz Tahir. As the investigation unfolds, it seeks to shed light on the circumstances leading to this public tragedy, while offering support channels for those affected. Readers in need of assistance are encouraged to contact Lifeline at 13 11 14 or beyond blue at 1300 22 4636.