7NEWS Australia published April 13, 2024: Bondi Junction mass stabbing: Full coverage of latest updates. 6 people were murdered and 12 injured by a man armed with a knife - before he was shot dead. Among the victims - Ash Good - the mother of a nine month old baby who was also stabbed, and is in hospital. Dawn Singleton, the daughter of businessman John Singleton is also among the dead. Mother of two and architect Jayde Young from Bellevue Hill. And an on-duty security guard at Westfield.
The Independent, UK
written by Joe Middleton
Monday April 15, 2024
The parents of the Sydney stabbings attacker have said they are “extremely sorry” and that their son was frustrated that he could not get a girlfriend.
Joel Cauchi, 40, roamed through the busy Westfield Bondi Junction on Saturday with a large knife, killing six people and injuring 12 others, including a nine-month-old baby.
He was shot and killed by Inspector Amy Scott, who confronted him alone on the fifth floor after a pursuit through the mall.
Speaking on Monday outside their home, Andrew Cauchi said he was “extremely sorry” to the victims of his son’s attack and that he was “heartbroken” for their loss.
The 76-year-old said: “I made myself a servant to my son when I found out he had a mental illness.
“He’s my son. And I’m loving a monster - to you, he’s a monster. To me, he was a very sick boy.”
Mr Cauchi said his son had a long history of mental illness.
“He wanted a girlfriend and he has no social skills and he was frustrated out of his brain,” he added.
Mr Cauchi said he had taken five US army knives from his son when Joel visited him last year as he feared he could get stabbed.
The comments came hours after senior police officers said they were investigating the possibility the attacker had focused on women.
“It’s obvious to me, it’s obvious to detectives that seems to be an area of interest that the offender had focused on women and avoided the men,” New South Wales Police Commissioner Karen Webb told the Australian Broadcasting Corp.
“The videos speak for themselves, don’t they? That’s certainly a line for inquiry for us.”
The only man killed during the attack was a 30-year-old security guard, Faraz Tahir, who had arrived in Australia last year as a refugee from Pakistan, according to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Australia, to which he belonged.
Yixuan Cheng, 27, from China, Jade Young, 47, Dawn Singleton, 25, Pikria Darchia, 55, and Ashlee Good, 38, all women, were victims of Mr Cauchi’s attack.
Thousands of flowers and wreaths lay in a makeshift memorial outside the mall on Monday as hundreds came from across the city to honour those killed.
“It’s shocking something like this could happen so close to home,” said Wren Wyatt, who paid respects at the memorial.
“I’m still trying to get back to everyday life. I’ve taken today off to try and get my head better,” she added.
The Australian national flag is flying at half-mast across the country, including at the Parliament House and Sydney‘s Harbour Bridge, in honour of the victims. Sydney Opera House’s has been lit with a black ribbon.
7NEWS Australia published April 15, 2024: Remembering the Bondi stabbing victims. 7 News remembers the six victims of Saturday's shocking stabbing in a shopping centre in Bondi Junction. Victims' stories are revealed and they are heartbreaking.
9News, Australia local
written by Adam Vidler and Yashee Sharma
Monday April 15, 2024
A Chinese student has been identified as the sixth victim of the Bondi Junction stabbing attack. Yixuan Cheng, 27, was shopping when she was killed in the deadly stabbing spree. Five women and one man were killed in the attack, which also left a dozen injured. Cauchi was shot dead by NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott.
Flowers have already been laid outside the shopping centre, which remains closed while police work through the crime scene.
The identities of several of the victims have also gradually been revealed, though it may take some time as Assistant Commissioner Anthony Cooke said this morning two of those killed had no family in Australia.
Yixuan Cheng
Yixuan Cheng was named on Monday as the sixth victim of the stabbing spree.
The University of Sydney has confirmed she was a Chinese national who had been studying at their campus in Australia.
"Like you, I am shocked and saddened by the senseless violence and loss of life that occurred at Bondi Junction on the weekend," vice-chancellor and president Mark Scott said in a statement.
"On behalf of the University, I extend my sincere condolences to the student's family and friends.
"We are working closely with the Chinese consulate and the student's family to assist in any way we can."
Police were yesterday trying to contact her family overseas.
The Chinese embassy released a statement saying "we are deeply shocked and saddened by the unfortunate death of one Chinese student and the serious injury of another.
"We extend our deep condolences to the victims and our heartfelt sympathies to their families, and wish early recovery to the injured.
"We will continue to maintain close communication with the Australian side and do our utmost to provide necessary assistance to the families of the Chinese victims."
Pikria Darchia
Pikria Darchia, 55, has been named as the fifth victim of the attack.
No further details about her have been released and her family has requested privacy.
Faraz Tahir
Security guard Faraz Tahir was fatally stabbed while he was working at the centre.
It was Tahir's first day of working at Westfield.
According to reports, he was trying to stop the attacker.
Tahir, 30, sought refuge in Australia a year ago, after fleeing persecution in his home country of Pakistan.
"We are devastated by Faraz's passing and recognise our team member's bravery and role as a first responder," centre owners Scentre Group Chief Executive Officer, Elliott Rusanow said in a statement.
"Another member of our security team was injured and remains in hospital."
He was a known and loved member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Australia and also actively contributed to the charitable endeavours of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth organisation.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Faraz's family and loved ones during this difficult time, as well as with all the other victims and their families affected by this senseless act of violence," the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Australia said in a statement.
"We extend our deepest condolences and stand in solidarity with the broader community as we come together to support one another in the face of tragedy."
Ashlee Good
Ashlee Good, 38, was fatally wounded as she tried to save her baby from the attacker.
She was taken to hospital but later died.
Her nine-month-old daughter was also injured and remains in hospital after surgery.
Good's family released a statement this morning.
"Today we are reeling from the terrible loss of Ashlee, a beautiful mother, daughter, sister, partner, friend, all round outstanding human and so much more," they said.
"We appreciate the well-wishes and thoughts of members of the Australian public who have expressed an outpouring of love for Ashlee and our baby girl."
The family said it was "struggling to come to terms" with the tragedy but thanked police and health personnel for their service.
"To the two men who held and cared for our baby when Ashlee could not - words cannot express our gratitude," the statement read.
Good was remembered by her friend Andrew Reid as "the most beautiful person you've ever met" who had dreamed of being a mum.
"Never said a bad word about anyone, always, you know, light the room up with a smile," he told Today.
An online fundraiser set up to support her family has raised thousands of dollars already.
Two brothers in the shopping centre described how the grievously injured Good tried to save her baby, giving her to the men and pleading for them to save her.
Dawn Singleton
Dawn Singleton, the daughter of millionaire Australian businessman John Singleton, was also killed in the attack.
The 25-year-old, named for Olympic swimming great Dawn Fraser, was the second victim identified.
A University of Technology Sydney graduate, Singleton worked as an e-commerce assistant at White Fox Boutique.
In a social media post, White Fox Boutique said the women's fashion line not only lost an employee but "someone special to us who felt like a family member".
"We are all truly devastated by this loss," it said.
"Dawn was a sweet, kind hearted person who had her whole life ahead of her. She was really amazing.
"We send our love and deepest condolences to her partner, the Singleton family and her friends."
Jade Young
Jade Young, an architect and mother-of-two, was the third victim identified in yesterday's stabbing attack.
The 47-year-old Bellevue Hill woman has worked as an architect for more than two decades and is a member of the Bronte Surf Life Saving Club.
"I sadly have to report that a Bronte SLSC member, Jade Young, lost her life during the tragic events in Bondi Junction yesterday," the club said in a statement.
"Some of you might have known Jade as she and her family have been active in youth education.
"We encourage you to reach out to your friends and family and available support services as this tragedy will no doubt touch many in our community."
The club has cancelled its weekly drinks to pay respect to Young and the five other victims.
Young's workplace, Georgina Wilson Associates (GWA), paid tribute to their "beautiful" colleague.
"I can't believe I am writing this, it doesn't feel real," the Double Bay-based architecture studio posted on Instagram.
"Jade was a part of our GWA team for over 12 years – she was family.
"Anyone who knew Jade knew what a beautiful, kind and warm soul she was.
"We are completely devastated. All our love goes out to her family. "We love you Jade."
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