Merrylands stabbings: Setefano Leaaetoa charged with murder after escaping mental health care facility
A 25-year-old man who allegedly went on a stabbing spree after escaping from a mental health care facility and evading police for 10 days, has been charged with murder.
Setefano Leaaetoa, a 25-year-old man who allegedly went on a stabbing spree in Sydney after escaping from professional mental health care and evading police for 10 days, has been charged with murder.
On Tuesday morning, a man described by police as being aged between 30 and 40 died after sustaining stab wounds while inside a shop in Merrylands.
Another two people were left in a critical condition, a 22-year-old man and a 47-year-old woman.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Leaaetoa was charged with murder on Wednesday morning, as questions are raised about how locals were not warned about his alleged escape from professional care.
The accused murderer was seen in CCTV footage captured during the alleged stabbing, holding a long knife, estimated to measure between 20-30cm.
The bustling precinct was plunged into lockdown at around 10am on Tuesday as police learnt of the alleged attacks and hunted the offender.
Leaaetoa was found behind a house on Smythe Street, Merrylands, around 40 minutes after the alleged stabbing spree.
“A man has been charged with murder after a person died and two others were left critically injured following an alleged stabbing in Sydney’s west yesterday morning,” a NSW Police spokesperson confirmed.
“He was taken to Granville Police Station and charged with murder and two counts of cause wounding/grievous bodily harm to person with intent to murder.”
Alleged murderer escaped from NSW Health’s care
In a statement, NSW Health Western Sydney Local Health District expressed their “sympathies”, confirming a 25-year-old man had escaped from their care while being transferred between facilities on February 7.
“We express our sympathies to the families and the victims of the confronting and deeply distressing incident in Merrylands today,” a statement said.
It confirmed Leaaetoa was being transported to the emergency department at Westmead.
“This person absconded from care while being transferred from Cumberland Hospital to Westmead Hospital emergency department for further medical assessment.”
“NSW Police were notified and contact was made with the patient’s family, but all attempts by WSLHD to contact the person were unsuccessful.
“A formal review into the person’s care and treatment will be undertaken, which will include an external senior psychiatrist.”
Despite the patient escaping professional NSW Health mental health care, the public were not made aware of a potentially dangerous man being on the run.
Leaaetoa is scheduled to front Parramatta Local Court on Wednesday.
If you or someone you know needs help, phone SANE Australia Helpline on 1800 18 SANE (7263).
Lifeline: 13 11 14.
Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000.
