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by Mick the Ram
The mother of the young child stabbed in the shocking event that took place on Saturday afternoon in a Sydney shopping Mall has tragically died of her own injuries.
Thirty-eight-year-old Dr Ashlee Good, a local osteopath, was stabbed at the crowded Westfield Bondi Junction complex, along with her 9-month-old daughter Harriet, who received surgery and remains in a critical condition in ICU.
Dr Good had frantically passed the infant to bystanders in the moments after she was wounded. She was one of six victims, five of whom have now been named. Authorities are still trying to track down family of the remaining victim who it appears has no relatives in Australia.
Twelve others, including nine women, two men and baby Harriet, suffering stab wounds, and had been taken to various Sydney hospitals.
The assailant, who was shot dead by attending police officer Inspector Amy Scott, was identified as 40-year-old Joel Cauchi from Queensland and it later transpired that he has a history of mental health issues. Ms Scott tried desperately to save the man after the shooting, performing CPR, but her efforts were in vain.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised the actions the brave policewoman stating that her actions had undoubtedly saved many more lives.
The shopping centre in Sydney’s affluent east remained closed on Sunday and forensic investigators pored over the scene.
Family statement
The family of Ms Good released a statement following her fatal stabbing: “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 thanked all the good wishes from the public as well as the New South Wales police for their “kindness and diligence”. They gave special mention to the medical team at the Sydney Children’s Hospital, expressing their gratitude for the “expert care and attention” given to baby Harriet and towards the emergency services for their actions.
Bringing an update on the child’s condition they continued: “We can report that after hours of surgery yesterday, our baby is currently doing well,” before closing by saying: “We are struggling to come to terms with what has occurred.”
Blood everywhere
It emerged that the dying Dr Good had thrown her badly injured baby into the arms of two strangers and selflessly begged them to help the infant. They used clothes from a nearby store to try to stem the baby’s bleeding.
A witness recalled seeing the stricken mother screaming on the level above. They said: “I see a mother running back and forth not knowing what to do. Then she comes back to the pram and picks up her baby and there’s just blood all over her back.”
The worker explained how they had locked their doors, but remarked: “The scream was unforgettable, it was the scariest thing I’ve ever seen.”
Heartbreaking post
Dr Good had posted only last month: “what a privilege it is to become a parent” alongside a photo of her with her daughter. She had earlier described the experience of motherhood as a feeling of: “your heart swelling with love” and being “overwhelmed with pride and joy”.
She called being a parent “the most outstandingly beautiful gift one can ever receive”.
5 women amongst the other victims
Other victims named were 25-year-old Dawn Singleton, who was the daughter of a millionaire businessman. Jade Young was a mother-of-two from the Sydney suburbs and a member of a local surf club. On duty security guard, Faraz Tahir also lost his life when approaching the crazed killer. The 30-year-old had come to Australia from Pakistan only 12 months earlier and was described being known for his “unwavering dedication and kindness.” The fifth named victim was identified as Pikria Darchia, a 55-year-old from Geargia.
Killer’s family speak out
Mr Cauchi’s family released a statement of their own. Describing their relative’s actions as: “horrific” they confirmed that he had suffered mental health issues since he was a teenager.
They went on to say they were “absolutely devastated by the traumatic events that occurred” and said their “thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the victims and those still undergoing treatment at this time.”
The family also remarked that they had no issues with the Inspector Scott. “She was only doing her job to protect others, and we hope she is coping alright.”
Mental health issues
Cauchi had lived with schizophrenia and had used drugs including methamphetamine and psychedelics, so early reports indicate. He did not have a criminal history in his home state, but had been known to authorities because of his struggles.
It seems that prior to the tragic event, he had eaten at a a curry restaurant in Bondi Junction before walking calmly through the shopping centre, where he casually pulled a knife from his backpack and set about his deadly killing spree.
Praise for bravery shown
NSW Premier Chris Minns praised “the ordinary members of the public that cornered and confronted a murderer, showing what I would call instinctive bravery under terrible circumstances.”
He especially paid tribute to Officer Scott who he stated had shown: “professionalism and bravery and without a shadow of doubt had saved many lives.”
Inspector “doing well under circumstances”
A shopper described the moment Inspector Scott confronted the knife-man. He said he heard the police officer shout: “Put it down” and confirmed that “we were in no doubt, if she didn’t shoot him, he would have kept going, as he was on the rampage.”
He then explained how immediately after the shot was fired, the policewoman walked over and gave him CPR. The head of the NSW police force, Karen Webb, commended her colleague’s “enormous courage” and said she was now “doing well under the circumstances”.
Leaders send sympathy mesages
Many world leaders have been expressing their immense shock. New Zealand leader Christopher Luxon said all New Zealanders were thinking of those affected, while UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said they were “in the thoughts and prayers of the British people”. There was a message from King Charles Queen Camilla saying that “their hearts go out to the families and loved ones”. Pope Francis said he was deeply saddened by the “senseless tragedy” and offered prayers.
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