The Bondi suburb of Sydney, Australia, is reeling from the devastating loss of six lives in a stabbing rampage that shook the Westfield shopping center on Saturday, April 13.
According to New South Wales Police Commissioner Anthony Cooke, the assailant, identified as 40-year-old Joel Cauchi, entered the mall around 3:20PM and inflicted harm on numerous individuals by stabbing them with a weapon he carried.
Cooke stated that the weapon was likely a knife, as reported by NBC News.
The spree of violence came to a halt when a lone officer pursued and fatally shot the suspect on-site.
The parents of Joel Cauchi, the man behind the horrific Bondi Junction incident, have described their son as a "monster" who harbored a deep-seated hatred towards women due to his frustration over his inability to find a girlfriend.
His parents, Michele and Andrew Cauchi, shared their anguish over their son's actions, per the Daily Mail.
Speaking from their home in Toowoomba, southern Queensland, the Cauchis disclosed that Joel had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and had lived with them until he was 35.
His descent into violence began when he attempted to stop taking his prescribed anti-psychotic medication in a bid to reclaim a semblance of normalcy in his life.
"How do you love a monster? Give birth to them!" expressed Andrew. "I loved my son. But he had a fascination with knives. He had a problem with women, he couldn't get a girlfriend."
Despite their pain, Michele expressed her profound remorse for her son's actions, emphasizing that Joel had been under medical care for 18 years.
She revealed how diligently Joel had followed his medication regimen until he decided, with the guidance of his doctor, to taper off it gradually.
However, this decision, meant to grant him a chance at a better life, tragically led to a deterioration of his mental state. "When he came off, it was like his eyes had … it had all lifted from him and he wanted to have a life," Michele explained.
Reflecting on Joel's upbringing, the Cauchis reminisced about his promising academic achievements and the fondness his teachers had for him. Despite his struggles with mental health, Joel had been described as a hardworking student who enjoyed a wide circle of friends.
Andrew acknowledged his son's social challenges, attributing his violent outburst to a deep-seated frustration stemming from his inability to form romantic relationships. "He targeted women in the ruthless attack because he wanted a girlfriend and he's got no social skills. He was frustrated out of his brain," Andrew said.
In the midst of their agony, the Cauchis grappled with the harrowing reality of watching footage of their son's rampage. "But I'm prepared to do that because I love my son and I want to find out what's wrong," Andrew declared.
He added: "To you, he is a monster. To me, he was a very sick boy."
Our thoughts continue to be with all those who lost loved ones during this attack.
If you or anybody you know is struggling with mental health, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor. Speaking to somebody will always help.
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