New details revealed about the Westfield Bondi Junction killer

In a tragic turn of events that has left the country reeling, new information has surfaced about the man behind the devastating attack at Westfield Bondi Junction.

Joel Cauchi, a 40-year-old man, has been identified as the individual who carried out the horrific stabbing spree that claimed the lives of six individuals and left nine others with serious injuries.



The tragedy unfolded on April 13 at the bustling shopping centre, where shoppers were caught in a nightmare scenario as Cauchi embarked on a stabbing spree.

Among the victims were five women, a man, and a nine-month-old baby, who were all subjected to an unprovoked and violent assault.


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Joel Cauchi, aged 40, was identified as the perpetrator of the horrific attack. Image source: Facebook



It is understood that Cauchi, who had recently moved to Sydney from Queensland, was known to have lived with schizophrenia.

Authorities are currently delving into his past, investigating a potential history of targeting women and a concerning obsession with knives.



It has been reported that while living with his parents in Toowoomba, his fixation with knives was so alarming that they felt compelled to remove them from his possession.

It has been reported that in the days before the attack, Cauchi appeared to be seeking social connections. He reached out on social media, inviting people to join him for a surf at Bondi Beach and expressing interest in hobbies such as shooting and astrophotography.


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Cauchi’s post before the attack. Image source: Facebook



The posts, which initially went unnoticed, have since drawn a barrage of negative reactions as the public grapples with the aftermath of the tragedy.

Assistant Commissioner Anthony Cooke told the media on April 14, ‘There is still, to this point…no information we have received, no evidence we have recovered, no intelligence that we have gathered that would suggest that this was driven by any particular motivation—ideology or otherwise.’



‘We are continuing to work through the profiling of the offender, but very clearly to us at this stage, it would appear that this is related to the mental health of the individual involved,’ he added.

The police are continuing their investigation, working closely with Cauchi's family and examining his rented storage facility in Sydney. It was also believed that he had no fixed address and had actively sought shared accommodation after his move.

The question of how Cauchi obtained the weapon, described by witnesses as a 30-cm hunting knife, remains unanswered.

The response to the attack was swift and courageous. Inspector Amy Scott, who was patrolling nearby, was first on the scene. Her quick actions and bravery in confronting Cauchi, ultimately resulting in her shooting him dead, have been widely praised. She administered CPR to the assailant and other victims until backup arrived.

Moreover, two men, Damien Guerot and Silas Despreaux, demonstrated remarkable bravery during the attack. Guerot stood in Cauchi's way at the top of the escalator, preventing him from reaching the area where dozens of children were playing.

Meanwhile, Despreaux reportedly confronted Cauchi with a bollard.



The nation is mourning the loss of the victims, including Ashlee Good, a 38-year-old mother, and Dawn Singleton, daughter of multi-millionaire advertising guru John Singleton.

Nine other people suffered stab wounds, including Good’s nine-month-old baby, who is now in a serious but stable condition after emergency surgery.

Waves of tributes flood in for the victims of the horrific attack:


Source: 9 News Australia/Youtube​


The royal family was reportedly 'utterly shocked and horrified' over the attack.

In a statement, King Charles said: 'My wife and I were utterly shocked and horrified to hear of the tragic stabbing incident in Bondi. '

'Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those who have been so brutally killed during such a senseless attack.'

'While details of these shocking circumstances are still emerging, our thoughts are also with those who were involved in the response, and we give thanks for the bravery of the first responders and emergency services,' it read.

The Prince and Princess of Wales also posted on social media, writing: 'We are shocked and saddened by the terrible events in Sydney earlier today. Our thoughts are with all those affected, including the loved ones of those lost and the heroic emergency responders who risked their own lives to save others. W & C.'

Key Takeaways

  • Joel Cauchi, a 40-year-old man with a history of schizophrenia, has been identified as the perpetrator of a stabbing spree that killed six and injured twelve others at Westfield Bondi Junction shopping centre.
  • Cauchi, who had moved from Queensland to Sydney a month prior to the attack, was known to have a fixation with knives and had recently been seeking social connections through online posts for surfing and gun-related activities.
  • The incident is being treated by police as mental health-related rather than ideologically motivated, and there is an ongoing investigation into how Cauchi acquired the weapon, described as a 30-centimetre hunting knife.
  • Six people died, and several others, including a nine-month-old baby, have been left in critical condition.
As the investigation continues, the Seniors Discount Club extends its deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the victims.
 
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These nut cases are out in our society and live among us what can anyone do to stop these obvious nutters we now live in a country where you have to keep your doors locked children,women and the elderly cant safely walk the streets alone especially after dark and you have to treat everyone with suspicion what a terrible society we have become and it is getting worse each year kids are now running wild in many once quiet country towns it is obviously a break down in society of the way kids are being bought up no respect for teachers ,police,elderly,others property and in some cases not even their own parents
 
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I send my Prayers and Strength to everyone affected by what happened at Westfield Bondi Junction on Saturday.

I first heard of what was unfolding on Saturday afternoon when my 24 year old son called to ask if I head what happened. He and his girlfriend had just eaten at a Cafe in Bondi Junction and called into Westfield's so his girlfriend could pick something up , they were in and out.

They had just left Westfield's and was standing at the traffic lights heading back to the car when people came running out screaming. They immediately thought there was a fire or bomb threat. He said it was surreal what then unfolded. People were saying there was a man with a knife and gun and attacking people. Within minutes the area was surrounded by police. He said it happened so quick

My immediate reaction was panick as my kids often go there to shop . I then called each of them to see they were safe. We go to the spa around the corner then shop at Westfield's after .

My thoughts and prayers are with all the victims family and friends
My thoughts are with all the first responders

My thoughts and prayers are with all who witnessed this horrible tragedy.

This is something that we would never have thought of happening in Australia and I pray it never happens again.

So many stories that are coming out are just so heart breaking.
So many families are now torn apart.
Many of us now feel our safety has been victimised.

I also have to say I also feel sorry for the man who caused all of this.
What was going through his head ? Why was he not supervised if he had severe mental issues

The government needs to look at ways of preventing this happening again.
The problem is with people who have schizophrenia is when they stop taking their medication.

I know someone who's son suffers with it and he will believe that the medication is something the FBI are trying to plant in him. He has attacked his mum because he believed she was covered in snakes.
He goes missing for months at a time and she gets notified when he has been picked up for strange behaviour and usually spends 3 months in hospital only to be released and then it repeats again. So far he hasn't hurt anyone but it's only a matter of time. Again this happens because he stops his medication.

Maybe they need to place tracking bracelet on them . Something has to be done to protect these people as well as the public. Maybe they need carer's.

People don't understand mental illness unless you have seen it first hand. People who suffer from this horrendous illness are not in control of their mind.
Please have a little empathy for this man and his parents

My final thought... keep your loved ones close, live each day to the fullest, don't hold grudges and tell those you love how much you love them often

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These nut cases are out in our society and live among us what can anyone do to stop these obvious nutters we now live in a country where you have to keep your doors locked children,women and the elderly cant safely walk the streets alone especially after dark and you have to treat everyone with suspicion what a terrible society we have become and it is getting worse each year kids are now running wild in many once quiet country towns it is obviously a break down in society of the way kids are being bought up no respect for teachers ,police,elderly,others property and in some cases not even their own parents
I'm guessing you don't have or know anyone with mental illness !! Please don't refer to them as nutters. These people have mental illness which they can't control. It's pretty much like being brain damage.

I don't think this article refers to disrespectful children
 
Honestly my heart breaks for all these families lost. It's tragic at its highest .

I'm not liking how the media is referring to the man who caused this as an evil man

An evil man is Man Morris who was responsible for the attack on the Lindt Cafe resulting in the death of people. He knew and planned this as an attack on Australia

The man responsible for attack at Boni Junction was sick and should have received help. He was out of his mind. His parents said if he was himself he would have been horrified at what happened.

This is such n horrific attack on innocent lives by someone who was very sick.

It would be a different story if he was just on drugs but he had mental problems.

I suffer severe depression and I would give anything not to but unfortunately I can't control my brain even with medication . I'm only a problem to myself.I never understood or had compassion for anyone with mental illness but unfortunately it is real and can't be controlled
 
If this Prime Minister wants to divide the country with his divise referendums? Then lets have one the return of the death penalty, I know it won't stop murder, but it might make people think twice. Failing that a life sentence means exactly that, you die in jail.
That's good for cold blooded murders who know what they are doing. But someone with severe schizophrenia don't know what they are doing and most of the time they can't decipher what is real and what's not.

Its time the government gives more to mental health
 
Mental health is a scourge ,to those who have it and loved ones.No one knows when it will affect anyone,it can be gradual or manifest in a different way.There should be more services available for this as many slip through the cracks. I have worked in this area and it's not all cut and dried,it's mentally very stressful
 
I'm guessing you don't have or know anyone with mental illness !! Please don't refer to them as nutters. These people have mental illness which they can't control. It's pretty much like being brain damage.

I don't think this article refers to disrespectful children
Well said - mental illness is a terrible thing - it steals your life and the lives of those who love and care for you- no it is not about disrespectful children (although that is a problem in it’s own right) this poor man has lived on the fringes of society all his life and his parents won’t have known a moment’s peace since he became an adult.
It’s so hard to understand but really those who suffer with some kinds of mental illness should not be in control of taking their own meds. They should be in a place where they are cared for and monitored or it should be managed at home. There aren’t nearly enough resources available to help the families of these people and I am very surprised this kind of tragedy doesn’t happen more frequently.
For his victims and their loved ones there’s no solace - for the government this is a bloody big wake up call - so WAKE UP!!!!
 
Well said - mental illness is a terrible thing - it steals your life and the lives of those who love and care for you- no it is not about disrespectful children (although that is a problem in it’s own right) this poor man has lived on the fringes of society all his life and his parents won’t have known a moment’s peace since he became an adult.
It’s so hard to understand but really those who suffer with some kinds of mental illness should not be in control of taking their own meds. They should be in a place where they are cared for and monitored or it should be managed at home. There aren’t nearly enough resources available to help the families of these people and I am very surprised this kind of tragedy doesn’t happen more frequently.
For his victims and their loved ones there’s no solace - for the government this is a bloody big wake up call - so WAKE UP!!!!
My daughters and I had thus discussion today. We thought maybe there needs to be a registry and maybe someone like a nurse should go to each and everyone who suffers severe mental illness like schizophrenia and actually give them their pills .. Better still make an injection that can be given once a week

The government needs to put more money into mental health
 
There is no point in getting angry or yelling about mental health issues.
Mental health seldom makes any sense at all. For anyone.

At this level, the outcomes of mental health transcend any sense at all and become heart and soul crushing for those closest to it.

Like the sad and broken parents of this afflicted person, we need to think of the heroic actions of a few who saved others. For me, this balances the mind against the horrors of such chilling attacks.

I don't have any answer for what we do now to care for the sufferers of mental illness. But others will.
 
Well, some will think me callous but none of us are living in Gaza getting bombed by order of a psychopath intent on mass murder. There is something wrong with we H sapiens as a species; we will tear each other to pieces all so happily and in self-righteous anger, and I refer to those of us who are not schizophrenic or otherwise "mental".

I await the flak.
 
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I don't like to watch much of this sort of tragedy but think I heard some one on one of the news stations say that the person had slipped through the cracks and therefore was not receiving any help. My thoughts are with all the victims, their families and anyone affected by this.
 
My daughters and I had thus discussion today. We thought maybe there needs to be a registry and maybe someone like a nurse should go to each and everyone who suffers severe mental illness like schizophrenia and actually give them their pills .. Better still make an injection that can be given once a week

The government needs to put more money into mental health
Yes they do!
 
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Well, some will think me callous but none of us are living in Gaza getting bombed by order of a psychopath intent on mass murder. There is something wrong with we H sapiens as a species; we will tear each other to pieces all so happily and in self-righteous anger, and I refer to those of us who are not schizophrenic or otherwise "mental".

I await the flak.
What’s your point???
 
Well, some will think me callous but none of us are living in Gaza getting bombed by order of a psychopath intent on mass murder. There is something wrong with we H sapiens as a species; we will tear each other to pieces all so happily and in self-righteous anger, and I refer to those of us who are not schizophrenic or otherwise "mental".

I await the flak.
I totally agree with you. There are evil people in this world who don't have mental issues like the ones fighting in Gaza.
We saw a fanatical Moslem take hostages in the Lindt Cafe he was evil 😈 .

Then you have thus guy who took these innocent lives and ripped family's apart but he was very sick and was also a victim of his illness as was and is his family
 
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Looking more deeply into what Australia could do to strengthen our collective wellbeing, a glance at what the leading countries are doing could offer some guidance.

It's amazing what a little bit of internet searching can turn up as I wondered what more can we do for mental health in this country.

Our global ranking is 6th for mental health wellbeing. Switzerland, Finland and Norway are leading the world in that order. (always differences depending on the website)

In terms of funding support for mental health, it's difficult to compare various countries due to a lack of data as sometimes mental health funding is buried in the overall health budget. From what I can gather though the best countries are prioritising mental health and spent significant monies doing so . Not much doubt we would all benefit from additional funding in mental health.

It's probably better to look at what the leaders are doing and compare that with Australia.

Switzerland
  • It invests significantly in community-based services, early intervention, and research. Big money and a prioritising of mental health.
Finland
  • Finland places a strong emphasis on prevention and early intervention.
  • It allocates resources to community mental health centres and school-based services.
  • It's mental health funding is integrated into its broader social welfare system.
Norway
  • It invests in outpatient services, crisis intervention, and rehabilitation.
  • Norway’s funding supports both public and private providers.
Australia could benefit from adopting successful elements from these countries, that we are not doing and putting our own unique twist to it. Research suggests to me some of those elements could be (probably not exhaustive):
  • Allocate more resources to mental health services, including funding for prevention, early intervention and treatment.
  • Strengthen community-based mental health programs and facilities.
  • Promote collaboration between mental health services, primary care, and social services.
  • Integrated care models that bridge physical and mental health needs.
  • Reducing stigma through awareness campaigns and education of the public about mental health issues and available support.
  • Workplace mental health programs. Encourage employers to create mentally healthy workplaces and implement employee assistance programs (EAPs) and mental health training for managers and staff.
  • Empowering community organizations like Fontenehus Norway's work training program that can empower individuals by offering meaningful activities, social connections, and pathways to ordinary working life and studies.
It would appear Australia is doing "notably" as regards to mental wellbeing according to one source, but could do more to enhance our mental health system.
 
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BACK IN MY DAY THESE PEOPLE WERE CONFINED TO HOSPITALS, THEN THE GOVERNMENT DECIDED TO SHUNT THEM OUT INTO THE PUBLIC TO DEFEND FOR THEMSELVES. CARE AND THINK THERE FOR GOD GO i.
I totally agree with your statement.I dislike the word Institution, so we shall say Home instead. Build homes for these people, with elaborate safety for them and the public. If only I were rich like Packers, Murdochs, Reinharts, etc., Surely, this is desperately needed. Can’t the authorities see they are a social danger no matter what?
 
BACK IN MY DAY THESE PEOPLE WERE CONFINED TO HOSPITALS, THEN THE GOVERNMENT DECIDED TO SHUNT THEM OUT INTO THE PUBLIC TO DEFEND FOR THEMSELVES. CARE AND THINK THERE FOR GOD GO i.
Yes these people were locked up in hospitals, forgotten about and abused.
Because of the stigma associated with mental illness people don't seek help.

They need to come up with ways of helping these people and making sure they take their medication.

They are human beings just like everyone else only with an illness affecting their brain.

My grandson is severely autistic should my son give up and lock him in a mental institution. It's not his fault he was born like this. I blame his mother and her drug abuse.
 
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