A 53-year-old man has been charged with murder following a “senseless” and “random” stabbing of an 83-year-old man in a shopping centre car park in the Hunter region of New South Wales (NSW). The incident occurred around 9:50 am, prompting several witnesses to attempt to assist the elderly victim, who was known for his good character but succumbed to his injuries before emergency services could arrive.
In response to the attack, a major police operation was initiated, including the involvement of a dog squad and police aircraft. Nearby schools were put on lockdown during a three-hour manhunt for the suspect. Around 1:00 pm, the alleged attacker turned himself in at the Newcastle police station, where he was subsequently charged with murder.
Detective Chief Inspector Scott Parker stated that there is currently no evidence to suggest that the victim and the perpetrator were acquainted. He described the incident as tragic, highlighting the randomness of the attack. Police have since recovered a knife believed to be involved in the crime and are raising concerns about the increasing prevalence of knife-related violence, appealing for any witnesses to come forward.
The accused is facing charges of murder and assault and has been refused bail pending a court appearance tomorrow. Police continue to address the issue of knife crime as a significant concern for society.