Joel Cauchi, who fatally stabbed six people at a Sydney shopping centre in April, showed a consistent interest in death and violence before his attack, including searching for information on serial killers and the Columbine school shooters, according to a court hearing.
At the onset of the attack, the single CCTV security room operator was using the bathroom and returned to the room less than two minutes later, which was near the end of Cauchi’s stabbing spree.
Cauchi, 40, from Toowoomba, killed Ashlee Good, 38; Jade Young, 47; Yixuan Cheng, 27; Pikria Darchia, 55; Dawn Singleton, 25; and Faraz Tahir, 30, injuring 10 others at Westfield Bondi Junction on 13 April 2024, before he was fatally shot by police inspector Amy Scott.
On the first day of the five-week coronial inquest, senior counsel Peggy Dwyer SC stated that Cauchi’s phone and web records showed an obsession with mass killings and violence, indicating mental health concerns related to schizophrenia, which had been untreated for several years.
Cauchi’s Pre-attack Internet Searches
Cauchi’s online searches in late 2023 and early 2024 included topics related to serial killers and specific types of knives he would later use. While there was evidence suggesting some planning, no definitive motive for the attack was identified.
Westfield’s Preparedness
The inquest highlighted Westfield’s poor response to the incident, noting the security team’s delayed reaction and communication issues, including a distressing evacuation announcement that led to confusion among the public.
Inspector Amy Scott, the first police officer on the scene, fired shots that killed Cauchi, possibly preventing further attacks. Her presence and quick actions were credited with saving lives, according to investigators.
Witnesses expected to testify include civilians who confronted Cauchi and first responders to the scene. The inquest is addressing several key issues with a substantial amount of evidence and testimony.
