Westfield Bondi Junction stabbing live updates: More women identified as victims, CCTV reveals killer Joel Cuachi's final movements

More details are emerging about killer Joel Cauchi, including his recent interaction with police.

On Saturday afternoon Australia was rocked by a horrific attack on shoppers at Bondi Junction Westfield. Six people were stabbed to death and a dozen more injured by knifeman Joel Cauchi before he was shot dead by police.

Today’s live blog has now concluded, but below you will find all the updates that emerged on Sunday about the tragic attack, as well as links to further stories.

LIVE COVERAGE IS OVER21 updates
  • Fifth victim identified as local 55-year-old woman

    NSW Police have confirmed the identity of a fifth victim, 55-year-old Pikria Darchia.

    She was a Bondi Junction resident, with her family sharing several photos of her and asking the public to respect their privacy.

    One female remains the only person killed yet to be identified.

    Pikria Darchia was killed in the stabbing attack on Saturday. Source: NSW Police
    Pikria Darchia was killed in the stabbing attack on Saturday. Source: NSW Police
  • Victim was shopping for her wedding when killed in stabbing spree

    Bride-to-be Dawn Singleton was shopping for her wedding when she was killed in Saturday's stabbing frenzy.

    The 25-year-old daughter of millionaire businessman John Singleton was shopping for makeup for her wedding when killer Joel Cauchi began attacking shoppers with a large knife.

    Singleton was due to marry NSW Police officer Ash Wildey later this year.

    Dawn Singleton was reportedly shopping for her wedding when she was killed. Source: NCA Newswire/ Facebook
    Dawn Singleton was reportedly shopping for her wedding when she was killed. Source: NCA Newswire/ Facebook

    "She’d just gone in to buy makeup at Chanel, she was only there for 15 minutes, looking at makeup for her wedding,” a friend told The Daily Telegraph.

    “She only bought her wedding dress last week."

    NSW Police are providing support to Wildey, who was called into action at the Westfield shopping centre before colleagues revealed his fiancée was one of the victims, The Daily Telegraph understands.

  • Joel Cauchi's parents address son's 'truly horrific' actions

    Joel Cauchi's parents have broken their silence after their son's deadly stabbing spree in Bondi Junction on Saturday.

    In a statement released on their behalf by Queensland Police, Cauchi’s parents, Andrew and Michele, said Joel’s actions were “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."

    Read the full statement here.

  • Channel Seven apologises for wrongly identifying student as killer

    Channel Seven has apologised after a Sydney student was wrongly identified as killer Joel Cauchi.

    Ben Cohen, 20, was wrongly named on social media as the knifeman who embarked on a killing spree at Bondi Junction Westfield. He later received a wave of hate online before Channel Seven identified him as the killer.

    Cohen told The Sydney Morning Herald the case of wrong identity had been “highly distressing”. Channel Seven put the mistake down to "human error".

    Ben Cohen was wrongly identified as the Bondi Junction knifeman. Source: The Sydney Morning Herald
    Ben Cohen was wrongly identified as the Bondi Junction knifeman. Source: The Sydney Morning Herald
  • Local mum, 47, confirmed as victim in stabbing spree

    A third woman killed in Saturday's stabbing attack has been identified as local mother-of-two Jade Young.

    The 47-year-old was a Bondi Junction resident and a member of Bronte Surf Life Saving Club, which cancelled its weekly Sunday Sips event at its bar.

    "This is and will be a difficult time for the community, and we encourage you to seek support from family, friends, fellow Club members or to speak to your GP to assist you in processing this tragedy," it said.

    Jade Young is one of six people killed in the stabbing. Source: NSW Police
    Jade Young is one of six people killed in the stabbing. Source: NSW Police
  • New CCTV shows killer had backpack, ordered food before stabbing spree

    New CCTV from a Vietnamese restaurant shows killer Joel Cauchi ordering what is believed to be his final meal before he was shot dead on Saturday afternoon.

    CCTV obtained by The Daily Telegraph shows Cauchi walking into Saigon Noodle restaurant just 100 metres from where he began his stabbing rampage. He first entered the restaurant at 10am before returning at 12.20pm, three hours before the attack.

    Cauchi ordered a red chicken curry hours before the attack. Source: The Daily Telegraph
    Cauchi ordered a red chicken curry hours before the attack. Source: The Daily Telegraph

    In the footage, Cauchi can be seen wearing a backpack, not seen in a host of videos of Cauchi from inside Westfield shopping centre.

    Server Rogate Sianipar told the publication Cauchi appeared "confused" during his first visit and left without eating, saying he'd be back. He returned, ordered and ate a red chicken curry before leaving after 15 minutes.

    Surveillance footage shared from the street shows Cauchi stumble towards a shop front at one point.

  • Security guard killed while 'defending shoppers' identified

    The male security guard killed in the Bondi Junction stabbing rampage has been identified as 30-year-old refugee Faraz Tahir.

    Tahir had only lived in the country for a year after seeking refuge from Pakistan, The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Australia revealed.

    The group said Tahir was "defending others" when he was killed.

    "It is with heavy hearts that we also mourn the loss of Faraz Tahir, a cherished member of our community and a dedicated security guard who tragically lost his life while serving the public during this attack," it said in a statement.

    Faraz Tahir was killed while 'defending others', it has been claimed. Source: Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Australia
    Faraz Tahir was killed while 'defending others', it has been claimed. Source: Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Australia
  • Killer reportedly had profiles on escort sites

    Knifeman Joel Cauchi reportedly had accounts promoting his services on two escort websites.

    In the now-deleted listings, first seen by The Australian, Cauchi described himself as an “athletic good looking 39 year old guy”. In one photo used, he's seen posing in a Manchester United jersey.

    “Let me gently massage all of your body, and have me in any and every way!” the profile read. Analysis of the photos by The Australian indicate they were taken in 2020 but uploaded last year.

    Photos used on escort profiles reportedly offering Joel Cauchi's services. Source: Nine News
    Photos used on escort profiles reportedly offering Joel Cauchi's services. Source: Nine News
  • Anthony Albanese pays tribute at site of deadly attack

    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has laid flowers on Oxford Street next to Bondi Junction's Westfield shopping centre where six people lost their lives in a stabbing frenzy.

    Albanese, who arrived from Canberra, was joined by local federal MP Allegra Spender and NSW Premier Chris Minns.

    “This is a tragedy that should never have occurred,” he told ABC Radio earlier.

    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese lays flowers outside the Westfield shopping centre. Source: AAP
    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese lays flowers outside the Westfield shopping centre. Source: AAP
  • Police engaged with killer in December 2023

    Queensland Police revealed on Sunday afternoon that officers engaged with Joel Cauchi in December 2023 during a “street check” on the Gold Coast.

    “There was no interaction since December 2023 with this gentleman,” Assistant Commissioner Roger Lowe told media, adding Cauchi had then moved to NSW.

    He described a street check as an “intelligence gathering report undertaken by the Queensland Police Service, when we may come in contact with a person that we deem sufficient to stop and speak to regarding their behaviour.”

    Queensland Police Assistant Commissioner Roger Lowe addressed media on Sunday afternoon. Source: ABC
    Queensland Police Assistant Commissioner Roger Lowe addressed media on Sunday afternoon. Source: ABC

    Assistant Commissioner Lowe added that Cauchi had not been prosecuted or arrested or charged for any offence within Queensland, and had no record within the courts for a domestic violence order. Nor had he been found by Queensland officers to be carrying knives.

    Assistant Commissioner Lowe said to his knowledge the killer did not have a job and is believed to have been living out of a car with limited contact with his family.

    He would not be drawn on reports that Cauchi was knife obsessed and that his family had previously taken knives away from him.

    Cauchi was diagnosed with a mental health disorder at the age of 17. The important questions, Assistant Commissioner Lowe said, for the coming investigation being conducted by NSW Police will centre around his “interaction with treating practitioners, his recent whereabouts … and what changed from a person who is 40 and has for a number of years functioned in society.”

  • Parents realised son was knifeman while watching news coverage on TV

    Queensland Police Assistant Commissioner Roger Lowe revealed Joel Cauchi's parents were watching news coverage of the attack unfold before realising they may be watching their son.

    "They believed that may well have been their son and they reached out to authorities," he told reporters.

    Cauchi last spoke to his family in March. "To my understanding, there's been limited contact with his family in terms of phone calls or texts. He would periodically text his mother with an update to where he was," Assistant Commissioner Lowe said.

  • Male victim killed confirmed to be security guard

    NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb has confirmed one of the six people killed on Saturday was a security guard working at the Westfield shopping centre.

    He is the only male victim killed, the other five being women.

    Commissioner Webb said she could not confirm if the security guard was killed while attempting to stop knifeman Joel Cauchi, and stressed information from the "very complex" investigations would be released when appropriate.

    Sources told The Daily Telegraph a second security guard, a female, had also been killed, however Commissioner Webb could not confirm this.

    BONDI JUNCTION, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 14: NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb speaks during a press conference at Westfield Bondi Junction on April 14, 2024 in Bondi Junction, Australia. Six victims, plus the offender, who was shot by police at the scene, are dead following a stabbing attack at Westfield Shopping Centre in Bondi Junction, Sydney. (Photo by Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images)
    Police Commissioner Karen Webb addresses media on Sunday.
  • Joel Cauchi's mental health history revealed

    Queensland Health has revealed knifeman Joel Cauchi's mental health history in the state.

    "The man had been treated by Queensland Health for mental health issues more than a decade ago but his care was transferred to a psychiatrist in the private sector in 2012," it said in a statement.

    "We will work with Queensland and NSW police on any information and assistance we can provide.

    "Queensland Health extends our sympathies to everyone involved in the tragic incident."

    Queensland Health's records indicate Cauchi last received medical treatment four years ago, however this was not mental health-related.

    Cauchi reportedly had schizophrenia and the Courier Mail understands he had been off his medication.

    NSW Police Acting Commissioner Anthony Cooke has suggested the stabbing attack was linked to Cauchi's mental health.

  • Bondi Junction 'a ghost town' day after deadly attack

    Bondi Junction is currently "a ghost town", according to Yahoo journalist Michael Dahlstrom who is at the scene, where he says mourners are arriving to leave flowers outside the Westfield at two separate entrances.

    "Strangely a handful of people were there just to shop or eat. A cafe close to the front entrance was full of diners eating bacon and eggs just metres from where Premier Chris Minns just spoke," he said.

    ABC reporter Penny Timms said the area is "eerily quiet" as some surrounding streets remain shut off while a heavy police presence continues.

    Two women add flowers to a floral tribute on Sunday. Source: Michael Dahlstrom
    Two women add flowers to a floral tribute on Sunday. Source: Michael Dahlstrom
    Streets around the shopping centre are eerily quiet. Source: Michael Dahlstrom
    Streets around the shopping centre are eerily quiet. Source: Michael Dahlstrom
    NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb and Premier Chris Minns address reporters. Source: Michael Dahlstrom
    NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb and Premier Chris Minns address reporters. Source: Michael Dahlstrom
  • Karl Stefanovic unleashes on knifeman for attacking women, police investigate 'concerning' theory

    Today show host Karl Stefanovic has revealed his disgust at the number of women who were killed or injured on Saturday, with investigators looking into the high proportion of female victims as a line of inquiry.

    “I don’t care what the excuses are, and I hope there’s a special place in hell reserved for [knifeman Joel Cauchi], given the fact that he walked past men, and didn’t do anything about it and attacked women,” he said.

    Karl Stefanovic unleashed on knifeman Joel Cauchi amid suggestion he targeted women during his deadly attack. Source: Nine
    Karl Stefanovic unleashed on knifeman Joel Cauchi amid suggestion he targeted women during his deadly attack. Source: Nine

    Five of the six people killed were women while nine of the 12 in hospital are female patients, NSW Police revealed.

    NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said the number of women targeted is an "obvious line of inquiry".

    "And that's concerning. But that will form part of the investigation," she said.

    Commissioner Webb said anyone who has watched a series of harrowing videos of the incident online "can see for themselves" that it appeared women were targeted more than men.

  • Knifeman's invitation days before mass stabbing

    Knifeman Joel Cauchi is understood to have made a Facebook post inviting strangers to join him at the beach just days before Saturday's deadly attack.

    On Monday morning, the 40-year-old shared the call out in a Sydney Beginner Surfing and Adventuring Facebook group, which has more than 6,000 members.

    “Hi I am surfing Bondi this afternoon if anyone wants to meet there for a surf!” he wrote.

    On Saturday afternoon, at about 3.30pm, Cauchi attacked at least 18 people in the busy shopping centre, before he was shot and killed by a senior police officer.

    In a Facebook post from 2020, seen by news.com.au, Cauchi made an online appeal saying he was "looking for people who shoot guns" that he could meet with.

    Photos of Joel Cauchi from his Facebook page.
    Photos of Joel Cauchi from his Facebook page.
  • Baby 'doing well' in hospital after mum's death

    The family of Ash Good and her nine-month-old daughter, both stabbed in the attack, have broken their silence following yesterday's tragic events.

    Good died of her injuries on Saturday night, hours after she handed her injured baby to two men to try and save her.

    Good’s family have thanked the public for the messages of support and the two men, saying the nine-month-old is recovering after surgery.

    “After hours of surgery yesterday our baby is currently doing well,” the family said in a statement.

    “We are struggling to come to terms with what has occurred. We would appreciate peace and privacy while we work through this as a family."

    Ash Good pictured with her daughter. Source: NCA Newswire
    Ash Good pictured with her daughter. Source: NCA Newswire
  • Knifeman 'dived at' responding officer

    NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley has revealed details of the moment knifeman Joel Cauchi was shot dead.

    A lone senior officer, identified as Amy Scott, was first on scene and was guided to Cauchi by brave shoppers.

    "She was just on general duties, just in around the precinct, got the call and went to the scene immediately, and was confronted by the perpetrator," NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley told the Today show.

    "He dived at her and she shot him ."

    Catley said Scott was extremely "humble" when they spoke in the wake of the attack.

    "She said it wasn't about me, Minister. She said the people, the bystanders around really helped as well," Catley revealed.

    NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Anthony Cooke said Scott had chased Cauchi through the shopping centre, quickly catching up to him as he made his way to the fifth floor. According to Assistant Commissioner Cooke, Cauchi refused to drop his weapon which witnesses have described as a "big blade".

    “He turned, faced her, raised a knife,” he said. “She discharged a firearm and that person is now deceased.”

    Scott has been widely hailed as a hero and credited for preventing the deaths of other shoppers.

    Amy Scott was the officer who fatally shot the knifeman. Source: X/ Nine
    Amy Scott was the officer who fatally shot the knifeman. Source: X/ Nine
  • Second victim identified as 25-year-old woman

    A second woman killed in the horrifying stabbing attack has been identified as Dawn Singleton, the daughter of millionaire businessman John Singleton.

    The 25-year-old was due to marry her partner this year, a source has revealed to The Daily Telegraph.

    “They are childhood sweethearts, each other’s first boyfriend and girlfriend,” they said.

    The first victim was identified late on Saturday as 38-year-old mother Ash Good whose nine-month-old baby was also stabbed.

    Five of the six fatally stabbed were women.

    Dawn Singleton. Source: NCA Newswire/ Linkedin
    Dawn Singleton. Source: NCA Newswire/ Linkedin
  • Police identify perpetrator as 40-year-old Queensland man

    NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Anthony Cooke addressed reporters on Sunday morning revealing police believe the attack to be a mental health incident.

    He identified the perpetrator as 40-year-old Queensland man Joel Cauchi. He moved to NSW in the last month, police said.

    Assistant Commissioner Cooke said Cauchi had taken out a storage facility, which has since been searched. He was known to Queensland Police in the last four to five years, however not in relation to crime.

    "There is still to this point no information we have received, no evidence we have recovered, no intelligence we have gathered, that would suggest that this was driven by any particular motivation, ideology or otherwise," he said.

    knife
    Police have identified the man who fatally stabbed six people on Saturday. Source: X
  • Three more people admitted to hospital after deadly attack

    Acting NSW Premier Penny Sharpe says there are now 12 people who have been hospitalised following the deadly stabbing spree at Bondi Junction.

    "We believe that there are 12 people now in hospital, nine people were transported by ambulance, and three presented over night," she told ABC Radio.

    One of those in hospital is a baby, who underwent surgery following significant injuries. One man who helped the baby and her mother revealed yesterday how he rushed to help stem the child's bleeding by grabbing clothes from a store they were hiding in.

    Tragically, the child's mother died from her injuries in hospital hours after the attack, becoming the sixth victim.

    Police officers and emergency service workers are seen at Bondi Junction after multiple people were stabbed inside the eastern suburbs shopping centre in Sydney, Australia April 13, 2024. AAP Image/Steve Markham via REUTERS    ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVE. AUSTRALIA OUT. NEW ZEALAND OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN NEW ZEALAND. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN AUSTRALIA.
    Paramedics outside the Westfield shopping centre on Saturday evening.

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