Family of Bondi killer break silence
The devastating events that unfolded at Westfield Bondi Junction have left a community in shock and mourning, grappling with the aftermath of a senseless act of violence.
Joel Cauchi's frenzied stabbing attack claimed the lives of six innocent people, leaving many others injured and traumatised. Now, amidst the grief and confusion, Cauchi's family has stepped forward to offer their perspective on the tragic incident.
In a statement conveyed through Queensland police, Andrew and Michele Cauchi, parents of the assailant, expressed profound sorrow and disbelief at their son's actions, describing the events as "truly horrific".
“We are absolutely devastated by the traumatic events that occurred in Sydney yesterday,” they said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the victims and those still undergoing treatment at this time.
“Joel’s actions were truly horrific and we are still trying to comprehend what has happened. He has battled with mental health issues since he was a teenager.
“We are in contact with both the NSW Police Force and Queensland Police Service and have no issues with the police officer who shot our son as she was only doing her job to protect others and we hope she is coping alright.”
Assistant Commissioner Roger Lowe of the Queensland Police provided additional insights into Joel's circumstances leading up to the attack. He disclosed that Joel had been diagnosed with schizophrenia at the age of 17 and had received treatment for mental health issues in the past. However, in recent years, his condition had worsened, casting a shadow over his family's attempts to understand and support him.
The revelation that Joel had been sleeping in a vehicle or at a backpacker hostel prior to the attack underscores the challenges faced by individuals grappling with mental illness and homelessness. Despite sporadic communication with his family, Joel's isolation and distress seemed to have deepened in the days preceding the tragic incident.
In the wake of the attack, the Cauchi family exhibited a remarkable level of cooperation with law enforcement agencies, expressing concern for the welfare of Inspector Amy Scott, who was compelled to use lethal force against Joel Cauchi. Their willingness to engage with authorities and convey their condolences to the victims' families highlights their recognition of the gravity of the situation and their desire for understanding and healing amidst the tragedy as the community mourns this unbearable loss.
Cauchi' victims included Pikria Darchia, a 55-year-old artist and designer; osteopath Ashlee Good, 38; security guard Faraz Tahir, 30; Dawn Singleton, 25 – the daughter of Australian multi-millionaire advertising guru John Singleton; architect Jade Young, 47; and student Yixuan Cheng, 25. A dozen others – mostly women – were also injured, including Good’s infant child.
Images: Nine News