Revelations shed light on murderer Joel Cauchi’s history

Joel Cauchi, the 40-year-old responsible for a horrific stabbing spree at Westfield Bondi Junction Sydney which claimed six lives and injured a dozen others, has had his troubled past exposed in recent revelations.

Reports indicate that Cauchi had a fascination with knives, even to the extent of once calling police when his parents hid his blades.

Queensland Police Assistant Commissioner Roger Lowe told legacy media that in 2023, an incident involving Cauchi and his family was under investigation, forming part of broader inquiries into his behaviour, health, and recent activities.

Cauchi was expected home over the weekend to help with managing his family’s pigeons – a fact which appeared to show a seemingly innocuous side to his character, as described by neighbours. However there were indications of underlying mental health issues, with his family acknowledging his struggles in this regard.

Various individuals who had interacted with Cauchi, including former acquaintances and individuals he dated, expressed shock at his involvement in the crime. Some noted his seemingly normal demeanour, while others highlighted concerning behaviours and compulsions.

According to one woman who spoke with news.com.au, she briefly dated Cauchi in 2019 after connecting on the dating app Badoo. Both hailing from Toowoomba, they met when she had just turned 18. Despite Cauchi being older than his profile suggested, she described him as ‘kind and sweet.’

Similarly, another individual who dated Cauchi in 2022 expressed shock upon learning of his involvement in the Bondi Junction stabbing. Describing him as ‘sweet and kind’ with aspirations of becoming a teacher, she recounted pleasant outings. She noticed nothing amiss during their time together.

The Daily Mail highlighted another woman’s experience, who claimed to have attended Cauchi’s church. After a few coffee dates she observed concerning behaviours in Cauchi prompting her to cease communication. She recalled feeling unsettled by his ‘compulsions’.

Cauchi’s family described his actions as ‘truly horrific’ pointing out his long-standing battle with mental health issues, particularly schizophrenia. Queensland Police confirmed that Cauchi had been diagnosed with a mental illness at 17, and his condition had deteriorated in recent years.

While Cauchi had no prior criminal record in Queensland, his family’s account of his mental health struggles and the recent events paint a complex picture of a troubled individual whose actions have had devastating consequences for numerous families, authorities said.

In another report from news.com.au, it was revealed that Cauchi advertised himself as a male escort online, offering ‘closed door’ services.

In a posting that has since been removed uncovered by The Australian, Cauchi described himself as an ‘athletic, good-looking 39-year-old guy.’ The images associated with his profile carried watermarks from ‘Escorts.Au Australia’ and ‘EmpirEscort.’