Family of Bondi killer Joel Cauchi seen outside home as they break silence

The parents of Joel Cauchi have broken their silence after their son killed six people and injured others in a massacre that shocked the nation.

Bondi Junction killer Joel Cauchi's dad, Andrew, is seen outside the family home in Toowoomba.

The family of Joel Cauchi, who killed six people and injured many others in a frenzied stabbing attack at Westfield Bondi Junction, have broken their silence.

As of Sunday night, eight victims remain in hospital including one woman who is fighting for life, a NSW Health spokesperson said.

In a statement released on their behalf by Queensland police, Cauchi’s parents, Andrew and Michele, said Joel’s actions were “truly horrific”.

“We are absolutely devastated by the traumatic events that occurred in Sydney yesterday,” they said.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the victims and those still undergoing treatment at this time.

“Joel’s actions were truly horrific and we are still trying to comprehend what has happened. He has battled with mental health issues since he was a teenager.

“We are in contact with both the NSW Police Force and Queensland Police Service and have no issues with the police officer who shot our son as she was only doing her job to protect others and we hope she is coping alright.”

Andrew Cauchi arrives at the Toowoomba family home on Sunday, April 14, 2024.

The Cauchi’s Toowoomba home. Picture: Toowoomba Chronicle

Addressing media just after 1pm on Sunday, Queensland Police Assistant Commissioner Roger Lowe said officers had been with Cauchi’s family since last night, breaking the news and collecting information for their investigation.

Assistant Commissioner Lowe said police had learned from the family that Cauchi, who had schizophrenia, had been sleeping in a vehicle or at a backpacker hostel before the attack in Sydney, but he was not in regular contact with his parents.

Cauchi did, however sometimes “text his mother with an update as to where he was”.

A school photo of Joel Cauchi from Harrison State High School's Facebook group.

Days before the attack, Cauchi had asked on a local Facebook group if anyone wanted to go surfing with him.

He said Cauchi had been diagnosed with a mental illness at the age of 17, and that his mental health had declined in the last few years.

A statement from Queensland Health confirmed Cauchi had been treated for mental health issues more than a decade ago, but “his care was transferred to a psychiatrist in the private sector in 2012”.

Assistant Commissioner Lowe said Cauchi’s family had reached out to police after seeing footage of the horrific fatal attack on television and had been “assisting in all elements that they can to gain an understanding of why their son, in this particular case, allegedly behaved in this manner and killed people in a public place.”

Floral tributes are laid at Bondi Junction following Saturday’s massacre. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift

He said their first thought was to express concern for the police officer who killed their son.

“As the family have co-operated with the Queensland Police Service in this regard, and we are issuing a statement on their behalf with respect to their own condolences and thoughts to the family and friends of those victims involved in this tragedy,” he said.

“Equally, they have sent a message to the NSW Police Force with respect to support of the police officer who has killed their son and expressing their concerns for her welfare.”

Four of the victims have been identified: Architect and mother-of-two Jade Young, Dawn Singleton, the daughter of businessman John Singleton, new mum Ashlee Good, whose nine-month-old daughter was also stabbed during the rampage, and security guard and refugee Faraz Tahir.

Faraz Ahmed Tahir, Ashlee Good, Jade Young and Dawn Singleton have been identified, as at 4pm April 14, as four of the six people killed at the Bondi Junction Westfield attack.

Faraz Tahir, 30, arrived in Australia about a year ago from Sri Lanka via the UNHCR from Pakistan, where his parents still live.

A statement from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Australia said Mr Tahir was known for his “unwavering dedication and kindness”.

Ms Good’s family said they had been left “reeling” from their terrible loss.

“Today we are reeling from the terrible loss of Ashlee, a beautiful mother, daughter, sister, partner, friend, all round outstanding human and so much more,’’ the family said.

“We appreciate the well wishes and thoughts of members of the Australian public who have expressed an outpouring of love for Ashlee and our baby girl.

One woman remains in a critical condition, while a woman and a nine-month-old baby girl remain in a serious but stable condition in hospital. Two women and a man remain in intensive care while a man and two women remain in a stable condition in hospital.