A man has been charged with murder following a violent stabbing incident in Merrylands, a suburb located approximately 30 kilometers west of Sydney. The incident occurred around 10:00 on February 17, 2024, resulting in one death and multiple critical injuries.
Setefano Mooniai Leaaetoa, aged 25, is accused of attacking several strangers in broad daylight. Reports indicate that he allegedly escaped from a mental health care facility just ten days prior to the incident. Authorities believe he made his escape while being transferred between hospitals.
Emergency services responded swiftly to reports of a knife attack, dispatching personnel to the scene shortly after the incident was reported. One individual succumbed to their injuries at the scene, while a 21-year-old remains in critical but stable condition in hospital. Another victim, aged 47, is also recovering in stable condition, according to the Western Sydney Local Health District. The identity of the deceased has yet to be formally confirmed.
CCTV footage obtained by Australia’s 9 News captured the chilling moments leading up to the attack, which began inside a Nepalese grocery store. The footage shows Leaaetoa, wearing a white bucket hat and grey trousers, allegedly approaching the counter before stabbing a woman in the neck. A male customer was also reportedly attacked inside the store.
Superintendent Simon Glasser confirmed that a knife measuring approximately 25 centimeters was used in the attacks. He noted that Leaaetoa was already known to police for previous petty crimes and several mental health incidents.
Leaaetoa was apprehended shortly after the stabbings while attempting to flee the scene on foot. He was taken into custody at the Granville police station, where he was charged with murder and two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to murder. During a court appearance at Parramatta Local Court, his legal representation opted not to apply for bail. The court also acknowledged ongoing charges related to a separate incident involving domestic violence.
In light of the incident, Rose Jackson, the New South Wales Minister for Mental Health, announced a review into the circumstances surrounding Leaaetoa’s escape from care. Jackson stated, “From what I’m told, the patient was transferred to another hospital, and there was a security guard present, so all of the proper protocols were followed in relation to that transfer.” She emphasized that a full review would be conducted to assess any potential failures in the process.
A spokesperson for the Western Sydney Local Health District confirmed that Leaaetoa had absconded from care on February 7, 2024, while being transferred from Cumberland Hospital to Westmead Hospital for further medical evaluation. Law enforcement and Leaaetoa’s family were notified at the time of his disappearance; however, efforts to locate him were unsuccessful.
As the investigation continues, a formal review into Leaaetoa’s care and treatment will be conducted to better understand how he was able to evade supervision. Leaaetoa remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court again on May 13, 2024.
