Bondi Junction massacre: NSW state coroner launches inquest into stabbing deaths at shopping centre
The NSW state coroner has launched an inquiry into the horrific stabbing deaths at Westfield Shopping Centre in Bondi Junction earlier this year.
The massacre at the shopping centre in Sydney’s east in April left seven people — including the attacker — dead after a Queensland man went on a terrifying rampage, stabbing people at random, including a nine-month-old baby.
Joel Cauchi killed five women and a man and injured 12 others in his vicious attack. Victims Cheng Yixuan, 27, Pikria Darchia, 55, Dawn Singleton, 25, Jade Young, 47, Faraz Ahmed Tahir, 30, and Ashlee Good, 38 were all killed during the frenzy.
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Hundreds of people were forced to evacuate the complex, with others locked inside stores as Cauchi brandished a long knife and attacked shoppers just after 3pm on Saturday, April 13.
The 40-year-old was later shot dead on site by NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott who was in the centre for another matter.
NSW coroner Teresa O’Sullivan will establish the details surrounding the deaths, with a directions hearing for the upcoming inquest to be held from Tuesday, November 12 at 9.30am.
Following the devastating day, NSW Premier Chris Minns announced $18 million in State government funding for the coroner’s office to “establish an independent coronial inquiry”.
At the time, Mr Minns said the money would be immediately forwarded to the coroner’s office to fund “full staff and resources” for a comprehensive and independent inquiry into the Westfield massacre.
