Partner charged with attempted murder after man stabbed while drinking coffee on verandah

A woman has been charged with attempted murder after she allegedly stabbed her partner in the chest while he was having a cup of coffee on the verandah of their home in Brisbane’s inner north.

Police at the scene in Grange on February 2. Neighbours used a ladder to rescue an injured Mr Zumbo from the balcony. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen

A woman has been charged with attempted murder after she allegedly stabbed her partner in the chest while he was having a cup of coffee at his home in Brisbane’s inner north.

Police have alleged the man, 43, who has been identified as Roberto Giuseppe Zumbo, was stabbed by his partner Pierina Daidone-Zumbo, 44, at their family home in Grange on February 2.

Mr Zumbo, who was stabbed in the chest on the front verandah of his Inglis St property about 5.20am, was rushed to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s hospital in a critical condition.

A spokeswoman from the RBWH said on Monday afternoon that Mr Zumbo was yet to be discharged but remained stable.

Pierina Daidone-Zumbo.

Roberto Giuseppe Zumbo.

Detective Superintendent Andrew Massingham previously told The Courier-Mail Mr Zumbo had been stabbed with a serrated kitchen knife about 20cm in length.

Det Supt Massingham said neighbours had used a ladder to rescue Mr Zumbo from the balcony, a scene described as “horrendously graphic”.

He said initial investigations indicated that Mr Zumbo had been “attacked, potentially while seated on that front balcony while having a coffee”.

“A number of books, clothing items and curtains inside the residence (were set alight),” he said.

“Certainly if left unattended, the house would have been well involved.”

Det Supt Massingham confirmed the property was not known to police and it was lucky the home was not more badly damaged by the fire.

Ms Daindone-Zumbo has been charged with one count each of attempted murder (DV) and endangering property by fire (DV) and is expected to appear before Brisbane Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

Originally published as Partner charged with attempted murder after man stabbed while drinking coffee on verandah