Francesco ‘Frank’ Dimasi, who killed wife Maria ‘Nonna’ Dimasi in Findon home, dies aged 93

The man who killed prominent hospitality figure “Nonna” Maria Dimasi, but was found not guilty of her murder by way of mental incompetence, has died.

The man who killed prominent hospitality figure “Nonna” Maria Dimasi, but was found not guilty of her murder by way of mental incompetence, has died aged 93.

In January, the South Australian Supreme Court ruled Francesco “Frank” Dimasi, 92, would not have to face a murder trial for stabbing to death his 85-year-old wife in 2023.

But on Monday, his lawyer confirmed he had since died.

“I understand your client has passed away,” Justice Sandi McDonald asked.

Maria Dimasi. Picture: Supplied by family

Frank Dimasi was found not guilty by way of mental incompetence. Picture: 9News

“He has, Your Honour,” defence lawyer Trish Johnson confirmed.

Earlier this year, the court found Dimasi was mentally competent when he killed his wife, but his mental and physical health had since deteriorated following a dementia diagnosis.

Justice Sandi McDonald said both defence counsel and prosecutors had, after psychiatric evaluation of Dimasi, agreed he was not mentally fit to stand trial – but that he was mentally fit when he killed his wife.

Justice McDonald, however, said she was satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the elements of murder – that Dimasi had killed his wife, and that he had done so unlawfully – were satisfied.

The court heard that on the evening of December 2, 2023, Dimasi had phoned emergency services and said he had killed his wife.

On their arrival at their Findon home, Dimasi was found sitting in his walker, covered in blood spatter, with a kitchen knife found nearby.

An empty spirits bottle was located – and a blood-alcohol test revealed Dimasi had a reading of 0.26-0.30 per cent.

Maria Dimasi, known affectionately as “Nonna Maria”, was found on the bed, and declared dead at the scene after suffering multiple stab wounds to the body.

Maria Dimasi’s children Reverend Carmel Ieraci and Vince Dimasi outside court.

Following the court hearing in January, Mrs Dimasi’s children, Reverend Carmel Ieraci and Vince Dimasi, said it was a relief to hear that the court found their father was mentally competent to commit the crime itself.

“For our family, we believe that the injustice of the act, the heinous crime, was reported incorrectly and stated as a dementia-related death,” Reverend Ieraci said.

“This has proven, without a doubt, that it was not. That it was intended, and it was done so knowingly. We feel some sort of peace in knowing the truth has prevailed.”

“It is difficult to reconcile an evil act,” Maria’s son Vince Dimasi said.

Originally published as Francesco ‘Frank’ Dimasi, who killed wife Maria ‘Nonna’ Dimasi in Findon home, dies aged 93