Killer had obsession with knives
Diagnosed with schizophrenia as a teen
The Queensland man responsible for the deadly rampage at Westfield Bondi Junction shopping centre on Saturday had a fixation on knives and his parents were so concerned they previously took the implements away from him.
It’s understood Joel Cauchi had schizophrenia and had been off his medication.
His distraught family is understood to have frantically contacted police concerned their son was involved in the Bondi attack on Saturday.
Cauchi had been living in NSW since last month.
Before he left Queensland, his parents, who live in Toowoomba, had taken knives away from him.
He had also previously posted on social media about wanting to meet with people who “shoot guns”.
Cauchi posted in a Facebook group Outdoor Adventures – Hikes, Water Sports, Snow Boarding, Camping and Etc on December 6, 2020.
“Hi I am looking for groups of people who shoot guns, including handguns, to meet up with, chat with and get to know,” he said.
“Please send me a DM if you can help me out! I live in Brisbane by the way.”
It is understood that Cauchi was diagnosed with schizophrenia as a teenager and had interacted with the Queensland Health system until 2012 when he transitioned to GP-led care.
According to sources, it did not appear Cauchi had made contact with the Queensland Health system for his mental health since that time.
On Sunday, NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said that Cauchi was not known “criminally”, but had been known to police.
“He’s not known criminally, but he has come to the notice of law enforcement, in this state and Queensland for mental health-related issues,” she said.
Cauchi was an avid poster on social media reviewing many places where he ate out and talking about his love of astrophotography.
From his social media posts, it is understood he had previously lived in Brisbane, Surfers Paradise and Toowoomba.
Just a week ago Cauchi posted about surfing in Bondi and wanting to meet new people.
“Hi, I am surfing Bondi this afternoon if anyone wants to meet there for a surf,” he wrote.
In several photography groups across Queensland and NSW, he had previously posted asking for a “dark sky site” some place.
His profile says he went to school at Harristown State High School, studied at the University of Southern Queensland and he was an “online English tutor”.
In recent months, Cauchi had also posted about other hobbies, including learning a second language.
Cauchi said he was also looking to learn German, Russian and Swedish in exchange for English lessons.
“Hi I am looking for a fluent Swedish speaker for a language exchange! I am a fluent English speaker and can teach that in exchange for being taught Swedish if you are interested,” he posted in the Aloha Sydney – Language Exchange Party group.
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Hi I am looking for groups of people who shoot guns, including handguns, to meet up with, chat with and get to know...
Joel Cauchi
Social media post