Advertisement

Independent review of mental health patient released before murder

UPDATED: A senior interstate psychiatrist will be engaged to review the case of a man released from mental health treatment at the Royal Adelaide Hospital on Monday and charged with a stabbing murder and attempted murder two days later.

Dec 21, 2023, updated Dec 21, 2023

The 30-year-old man was arrested after two women were stabbed at a Plympton real estate business at around 3.30pm Wednesday.

Police say the man is believed to have walked into the Lidia Street premises on foot.

Morphett Vale resident Julie Seed, 38, died at the scene.

A 50-year-old Henley Beach woman was also stabbed and taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital with serious injuries.

Police seized a knife and hammer at the scene.

Later on Wednesday, SA Health confirmed that the charged man was recently released after receiving mental health treatment.

“We are aware of an incident involving a patient who has been treated for a mental health condition at the RAH, and was discharged on the 18th December through a clinical decision,” a statement said.

“The Chief Psychiatrist will be reviewing the circumstances around this patient’s treatment and discharge.”

On Thursday afternoon, Chief Psychiatrist John Brayley issued a statement about the tragedy.

InDaily in your inbox. The best local news every workday at lunch time.
By signing up, you agree to our User Agreement andPrivacy Policy & Cookie Statement. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

“I acknowledge the serious and distressing incident that occurred late yesterday leading to a loss of life of a person and serious injury to another. My thoughts are with all those affected by these events,” he said.

“While the matter is part of an ongoing police investigation, a review into the patient’s clinical care will also be undertaken by the Office of the Chief Psychiatrist. We will engage an independent interstate senior psychiatrist for this task.  Key outcomes will be made public and the full report will be provided to the Coroner.

“While situations like this are rare, we know this will have a significant impact on many people in the broader community, including  staff in our hospitals. For those experiencing distress at this tragic time please reach out for support and if needed call Lifeline on 13 11 14 . In a mental health emergency call mental health triage on 13 14 65 or 000.”

Local News Matters
Advertisement
Copyright © 2024 InDaily.
All rights reserved.