Man accused of horror random stabbing discharged by SA Health two days ago

A man has been charged with murder this morning, accused of randomly killing a woman and injuring another. He was released from hospital under a compulsory mental health order just days ago.

SA Health released the man accused of randomly killing a woman and leaving another fighting her life two days ago from the RAH.

A 30-year-old man was arrested at the scene and has been charged with one count of murder and one count of attempt murder.

The health department confirmed on Wednesday the man, who had been on an inpatient treatment order, had been released from their care on December 18.

A treatment order authorises the provision of compulsory mental health treatment.

The chief psychiatrist will review the case.

BREAKING: There is an emergency response unfolding at Plympton where two people have been savagely attacked in a random incident. Witnesses have told 7NEWS they saw a man armed with a hammer. A suspect has been taken into custody. The latest in 7NEWS Adelaide at 6pm. #7NEWSpic.twitter.com/sqMs2CTWQ7

— 7NEWS Adelaide (@7NewsAdelaide) December 20, 2023

At 3.45pm, emergency services were called to Lydia Street, in Plympton, after reports two people had been stabbed inside the real estate business, Real Estate Agents Group.

Property manager Julie Seed, 38, died at the scene, while another woman, a 50-year-old from Henley Beach, was rushed to the RAH with serious injuries. She is now in a critical but stable condition.

A woman has been taken to hospital after a random stabbing in Plympton. Picture: 7NEWS

In a press conference on Wednesday night, Detective Chief Inspector Kieran Baggoley confirmed the man was known to police and investigators were working through his history and antecedents.

He would not be drawn on specifics of those inquiries, instead saying the focus was on the “welfare of the victims”.

“He was not on bail for any other offences,” Insp Baggoley said.

He said police were treating it as a random attack.

It is believed the suspect went to the premises on foot and may have been walking along Anzac Highway and surrounding areas before the incident.

SA Police with the latest on a stabbing attack at Plympton that left one woman dead and another rushed to hospital. #7NEWShttps://t.co/2n1507XVsx

— 7NEWS Adelaide (@7NewsAdelaide) December 20, 2023

A woman is dead and another injured – and a suspect in custody. Picture: 7NEWS

Major Crime detectives are at the scene. Picture: 7NEWS

“There is no information to suggest anything other than that,” Insp Baggoley said.

He would not comment on whether the man had any previous involvement with authorities.

“We are working through at the moment his history and understanding his antecedence,” Det Chief Insp Baggoley said. “It is very early in the investigation.”

Major Crime detectives are assisting Southern District officers with the investigation.

Det Chief Insp Baggoley confirmed a knife and a small hammer had been recovered from the scene.

He said the man in custody was arrested after police found him sitting outside the business

He said the man had no known links to the business or area.

Police at the scene of a stabbing in Plympton. Picture: Russell Millard

The crime scene on the corner of Lydia Street and Anzac Highway, Plympton. Picture: Zayda Dollie

Witnesses at the scene said they heard a horrifying wail after the incident.

“There was a horrifying, gut wrenching wail. It was really horrifying to hear and it really stopped everyone around them in their tracks,” one witness said.

A witness at the crime scene said at about 4pm she saw something going on in front of REAL Estate Agents Group.

“I saw a guy sitting down with his hands bagged,” the witness said.

“And then he got taken away in a paddy wagon.

“Then I saw a woman come out with a bandage around her head. I didn’t see another person come out.”

The real estate firm director was seen talking with detectives at the scene.

A man is in custody following an incident at Plympton this afternoon. About 3.40pm Wednesday 20 December emergency services were called to Lydia Street after two people were stabbed by a man not known to them. Picture: Russell Millard

Det Chief Insp Baggoley said forensics officers would remain at the scene on Wednesday night.

Det Chief Insp Baggoley said Adelaide remained a “very safe place” despite the random attack.

“This is a random attack on two women in a business premises,” he said.

Major Crime detectives remain on scene and Lydia Street is closed with police urging people to avoid the area.

Anyone with further information who has not yet spoken to police is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au – you can remain anonymous

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