Gabriel Messo thought he was demon warrior before stabbing mum
A man shot dead by police in a Melbourne park as he stabbed his mother in a frenzied attack had earlier ranted about being a “demon warrior”.
Police & Courts
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A man who police shot dead as he repeatedly stabbed his mother with a stick had ranted about being a “demon warrior” in the lead-up to the sickening attack.
Gabriel Messo — whose mother Lilla Messo, 54, remains in hospital and is likely to lose sight in one eye — had suffered severe hallucinations before unleashing at Gladstone Park on July 16.
Police shot the 30-year-old dead when he refused demands to cease the attack.
A Coroner’s Court directions hearing was told Mr Messo, who had only recently moved out of his parent’s house, sought help for mental health problems through a family friend just a month before his death.
Lindsay Spence, counsel assisting the Coroner, told the court: “At the time Mr Messo’s behaviour has been described as erratic.”
“He showed physical aggression and verbal abuse at times towards his family and in a further meeting a couple of days later Mr Messo was described as being very erratic — ranting and raving and talking about being a ‘demon warrior’ and fighting the demons,’’ Mr Spence told the court.
On the day of the attack Mr Messo left his sharehouse about 3pm and walked to John Coutts Reserve where he was captured on CCTV walking up and down the footpath.
He removed his shoes and socks, placing them on a park bench along with a water bottle and notebook.
His mother later arrived, walking over to her son before he pushed her to the ground and began “violently” assaulting her.
Shocked witnesses phoned triple-0.
“On arriving the police officers observed Mr Messo was attacking his mother to the head … using repeated upward and downward stabbing motions with an implement later determined to be a stick,’’ Mr Spence told the court.
“A police officer has verbally engaged with Mr Messo but despite being commanded to cease his attack a number of times Mr Messo has refused to stop the assault.
“As a consequence the police officer discharged his firearm a number of times, impacting Mr Messo to the chest.”
Ms Messo received first aid but died at the scene.
His mother, found unconscious, and critical, remains at hospital where her condition is now stable.
It appeared she would lose the sight in one eye and require facial reconstructive surgery, the court heard.
The court was told Mr Messo had a history of mental health challenges tracing back to July 2014 when he was first admitted to hospital.
His issues came to the attention of police two years later, with further interactions leading up to his death still being investigated.
He most recently had discussed making an application for help through the National Disability Insurance Scheme, telling a family friend his problems originally stemmed from hallucinations due to cannabis use.
He indicated he had bi polar disorder and was schizophrenic but declined mental health treatment plans because the medication “made him feel lifeless”, the court heard.
Just a day before he was killed Mr Messo was arrested over an early-morning aggravated burglary at his aunt and uncle’s house, having arrived wanting to speak with his cousin.
He was taken to hospital but later charged with criminal damage and assault
He had no criminal convictions at the time of his death.
The officer involved in the shooting had a body camera but it wasn’t turned on.
Coroner Judge John Cain acknowledged the grief of Messo family members attending the remote hearing, wishing Ms Messo a speedy recovery.
The Homicide Squad, with oversight from Professional Standards Command, is investigating.
The matter was adjourned to a later date.
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