PHOTO: Bondi Junction Victims. THE DAILY MAIL
The parents of the perpetrator behind the tragic stabbing spree at Bondi Junction Westfield shopping centre, described as “very religious,” emerged from their home in Queensland on Sunday evening, breaking their silence on the horrific incident. Andrew and Michele Cauchi, both in their 70s, chose not to engage with the media after previously characterizing their son Joel Cauchi’s violent actions as “truly horrific.”
Andrew Cauchi has lived in the Darling Downs suburb of Rockville for 46 years with his wife Michele (their property is pictured)
A neighbour revealed that Joel (pictured) was due back home this week to help his father reduce the number of pigeons he keeps in aviaries at the back of the property
A long-time neighbor, present for over 30 years, visited Mrs. Cauchi for about an hour, while another individual, likely a family member, assisted Mr. Cauchi with his pigeon coops at their residence.
Mr Cauchi and an unidentified man stared at the gathered media
On Sunday night, a neighbour who has lived on the street for more than 30 years visited Mrs Cauchi (pictured in the red top) for about an hour, saying ‘have a bit of compassion’ to the media when she left
Mr Cauchi emerged to feed his pigeons while carrying a headtorch in the pitch black around 7pm (pictured)
The Cauchi family has resided in the Toowoomba suburb of Rockville for 46 years. They last saw their son a few months prior when he visited for Christmas, although neighbors noted he didn’t venture outside during his stay.
One neighbor, Carol, shared with Daily Mail Australia that Andrew had mentioned Joel’s impending return home to assist with managing the pigeons, following complaints about noise and odor from the aviaries.
Despite the routine of feeding the pigeons, observed around 7 pm with Mr. Cauchi wearing a headtorch in the darkness, Carol expressed doubts about Mr. Cauchi’s ability to handle the task of reducing the pigeon population without his son’s assistance, as Joel had passed away.
Joel Cauchi was fatally shot by NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott on Saturday afternoon, ending his violent attack on shoppers at the busy mall in Sydney’s east. The incident resulted in the deaths of six individuals, with several others injured, including a nine-month-old baby.
Acknowledging their son’s battle with schizophrenia, the Cauchis stated that they harbor no grievances toward Inspector Scott’s actions or those of the NSW Police. They expressed profound devastation over the events and extended condolences to the victims’ families.
Neighbors described Andrew Cauchi as deeply religious, having distanced himself from the Catholic faith due to his abhorrence of priests’ misconduct. His love for gardening and his peculiar interactions with the pigeons were noted, along with his portrayal of Joel as a traveler akin to a backpacker.
Despite their familiarity with their son’s travel activities, it remains unclear if the Cauchis were aware of Joel’s alternate life as a male escort, which included online solicitation services. Queensland Police Assistant Commissioner Roger Lowe disclosed that Joel had been enduring dire living conditions in recent weeks, occasionally updating his mother on his whereabouts via text.
As investigations continue, the community grapples with the loss of the victims, with five of the six identified so far, including Dawn Singleton, Jade Young, Faraz Tahir, Pikria Darchia, and Ashlee Good, who tragically succumbed to her injuries while trying to protect her infant daughter, now hospitalized in critical condition. Multiple others remain hospitalized, while one female victim awaits identification.
SOURCE: THE DAILY MAIL