The death of a five-year-old boy who was stabbed 76 times by his father has sparked recommendations for increased access to mental health services in the community. The child, referred to as JY for legal reasons, tragically passed away at Westmead Children’s Hospital on June 8, 2018. An autopsy revealed multiple stab wounds on his chest, arms, and legs, as well as bruises on his legs.
JY, born in 2012, was a beloved child who enjoyed spending time in his grandfather’s workshop, had a passion for cars, loved being with his family, and was well-liked in his neighborhood. Despite the tragic circumstances surrounding his death, NSW State Coroner Teresa O’Sullivan emphasized that his life was filled with love and joy.
The father, identified as BS, was diagnosed with schizophrenia in 2003. He diligently sought treatment for his mental health condition through medication and therapy. During periods of deteriorating mental health, he voluntarily admitted himself to the hospital, including a stay at Hornsby Hospital in April and May 2018 when he exhibited delusions and referred to himself as God. After his discharge, he was placed under the care of a community mental health team.
However, on June 8, 2018, at Westmead, BS experienced an acute psychotic episode and tragically stabbed and killed his son. He was arrested and faced trial for murder, but the NSW Supreme Court ultimately found him not guilty by reason of mental illness in July 2019.
Coroner O’Sullivan determined that BS’s mental health deteriorated due to non-compliance with his prescribed medication and psycho-social stressors such as housing and financial difficulties. Although his medication was adjusted at Hornsby, the information provided to the community health team regarding his treatment was ambiguous and incomplete, resulting in confusion about his future care.
In the weeks leading up to JY’s death, BS’s mental state worsened, including auditory hallucinations and paranoid thoughts. He even referred to his son as “the devil” two days before the stabbing. The boy’s mother expressed concern about her husband’s potential to harm their child. While O’Sullivan acknowledged that BS should have been referred to a doctor at that point, she also noted that the risk of violence could not have been predicted.
To prevent similar tragedies, O’Sullivan recommended expanding the NSW government’s REACH program to community mental health settings, ensuring its consistent availability. She also stressed the importance of providing consumers, families, and carers with sufficient information on how to utilize the program, which aims to address concerning changes in a patient’s condition more easily.
The incident has already prompted other changes, including the improvement of information sharing between hospitals and community health teams to ensure accuracy. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, immediate help can be found through Lifeline at 13 11 14 or beyondblue at 1300 22 4636.