Man Charged with Murder After Allegedly Fleeing Mental Health Care Before Sydney Stabbing
A 25-year-old man has been charged with murder following a horrific stabbing incident in Sydney's western suburbs, after he allegedly absconded from a mental health care facility just ten days prior to the attack. Setefano Mooniai Leaaetoa is accused of launching a random assault on strangers in broad daylight, resulting in one fatality and multiple critical injuries.
Details of the Alleged Attack and Arrest
Emergency services were called to the suburb of Merrylands, approximately 30 kilometres from Sydney's centre, at around 10:00 AM on Tuesday, February 17, following reports of a knife attack involving several injured individuals. The accused allegedly fled the scene on foot but was apprehended nearby on Smythe Street. He was subsequently taken to Granville police station and formally charged with murder and two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to murder.
One victim died at the scene, while a 21-year-old remains hospitalised in a critical but stable condition. A 47-year-old victim is also in hospital in stable condition, according to the Western Sydney Local Health District. The deceased individual has not yet been formally identified.
CCTV Footage and Weapon Used
CCTV footage released by Australian media captured the terrifying moment of the alleged attack, which began inside a Nepalese grocery store. The footage shows a man wearing a white bucket hat, shirt, and grey trousers approaching the counter before allegedly stabbing a woman in the neck. Another man was also stabbed inside the shop.
Superintendent Simon Glasser stated that a knife measuring about 25 centimetres was allegedly the weapon used in the assault. He added that the 25-year-old suspect was already known to police for "petty crime and a number of mental health incidents."
Court Proceedings and Additional Charges
Facing Parramatta Local Court on Wednesday, Leaaetoa's Legal Aid lawyer did not apply for bail. The court heard he is also facing charges for domestic violence-related assault occasioning actual bodily harm in a separate incident. He will remain remanded in custody until at least May 13.
Mental Health Facility Escape and Review
A spokesperson for Western Sydney Local Health District confirmed that Leaaetoa had absconded from care on February 7, while being transferred from Cumberland Hospital to Westmead Hospital's emergency department for further medical assessment. Police and his family were notified, but attempts to locate him were unsuccessful.
NSW Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson announced a full review into how Leaaetoa was able to escape from a team of health professionals during the transfer. "From what I'm told, the patient was transferred to another hospital, there was a security guard present, so all of the proper protocols were followed in relation to that transfer, but we have initiated a full review of that and will reflect on any learnings," she said.
A formal review into Leaaetoa's care and treatment will now be conducted, with the health district acknowledging he was a recent patient at Cumberland Hospital, which provides acute inpatient care for people with complex mental health needs.
