Courtney Topic's family release statement, photo
The family of a young Sydney woman shot dead by police have released a statement to say thank you for the overwhelming support they have received during this tragic time.
Topic, 22, had Asperger's Syndrome - a condition related to autism that could have dulled Courtney's response to police commands, in the brief time before she was killed.
“The Topic Family would like to thank everyone for their overwhelming support," a statement released on Thursday said.
"We ask that you could respect our privacy during this tragic time.”
As the 22-year-old advanced on armed police on Tuesday, knife in hand, witnesses described her as being in a 'zombie-like' state.
Nearly an entire can of capsicum spray, did not stop her - one 40-calibre bullet did.
Experts say she may have had difficulty understanding police orders.
"We do not recommend shouting, which will make the situation worse, confrontation, lots of people giving orders," Asperger's Syndrome Specialist Professor Tony Attwoood told 7News.
The 1997 police shooting of Roni Levi on Bondi Beach changed the way police treat and recognise the mentally ill.
He was also armed with a knife.
"It is important that they are trained regularly and refreshed regularly in how to deal with those situations," Professor Attwoood said.
A senior police officer has told 7News that while the young woman's death is tragic, this is not a Hollywood action flick where police have the luxury of aiming to wound someone.
If it gets to the point where lives are in danger, police are authorised to use deadly force, which means shooting at the largest part of the body, the chest.
Tom Lupton trained police for years on the rules of engagement.
"You only have seconds to act because if the person is under the effects of drugs or have mental conditions they dictate what's going to happen not the police," retired weapons trainer Tom Lupton said.
