Westfield Stabbing: Inquest Reveals Killer's Troubled Past

The Westfield Bondi Junction stabbing in April 2024 shocked Australia. Joel Cauchi, the perpetrator, had a history of erratic behaviour and mental health issues. Police bodycam footage shows Cauchi's unstable driving, leading to several traffic stops between October 2020 and May 2021. In January 2023, Cauchi reported to police that his father had stolen his military knives. "My dad has taken some of my property," Cauchi told police in a recorded statement. The inquest raises questions about whether earlier intervention could have prevented the tragedy. This case highlights the need for better mental health support and improved systems for identifying and managing individuals who pose a potential risk to public safety.