Queensland authorities, including police officers, retail personnel, and a security guard from Bondi Junction, will testify at an inquest into a tragic stabbing incident that occurred at a shopping centre. This coronial examination focuses on the events of April 13, 2024, when 40-year-old Joel Cauchi carried out a violent attack inside Bondi Junction Westfield, armed with a 30-centimetre knife.
Cauchi, who was experiencing severe psychotic symptoms, killed six individuals and injured ten more before being fatally shot by police in response to the threat. The victims included Dawn Singleton, 25; Ashlee Good, 38; Jade Young, 47; Pikria Darchia, 55; Yixuan Cheng, 27; and security guard Faraz Tahir, 30.
During the ongoing inquest, which is expected to conclude at the end of the month, police from Queensland will provide evidence based on their previous interactions with Cauchi. Diagnosed with schizophrenia as a teenager, Cauchi had received effective treatment while living in Toowoomba, near Brisbane. However, his mental health declined after he stopped taking his anti-psychotic medication in 2019, compounded by his loss of access to psychiatric care after relocating to Brisbane in early 2020.
Additionally, the inquest will hear from retail employees and security personnel from the Bondi Junction area, as well as paramedics from New South Wales. The hearings have also included testimonies from senior police officer Amy Scott, who played a critical role in ending the stabbing spree by shooting Cauchi.
State Coroner Teresa O’Sullivan is presiding over the proceedings, aiming to provide the families of the victims with a clearer understanding of what transpired on that day in April. The inquiry will delve into Cauchi’s history, particularly the nature of police interactions during his transient lifestyle, as well as assessing any potential shortcomings in his mental health care following his schizophrenia diagnosis. The inquest will also examine how security personnel and the media responded to the incident.
For anyone seeking support, help is available from Lifeline at 13 11 14, beyondblue at 1300 22 4636, the Suicide Callback Service at 1300 659 467, and MensLine Australia at 1300 78 99 78.