The woman who survived a brutal and allegedly random stabbing attack that led to the death of another woman has broken her silence one week on from the horror event, vowing to bring about “change”.
Susan Scardigno, 50, was allegedly attacked alongside Julie Seed at the REAL Estate Agents Group in Adelaide’s southern suburbs on December 20.
Paramedics took her Royal Adelaide Hospital with suffering life-threatening injuries and Ms Seed, a 38-year-old mother to two girls, died from her wounds.
The police arrested Shaun Michaels Dunk, 30, at the scene of the alleged crime and have charged him with murder and attempted murder.
“Julie may not be with us physically any more, but (the incident) didn’t snuff out her light, (it) only made it shine brighter,” Ms Scardigno said on Wednesday.
“Now everyone knows what an amazing human she was, kind, loving and with the ability to see the beauty in the smallest things. Julie viewed the world and everything in it in a way few people take the time to, and now it bares as a reminder for everyone else to do the same.”
The brutal incident is engulfed in controversy after South Australia Health confirmed Mr Dunk had been released from their care just two days before the alleged murder.
He had been on an inpatient treatment order and the state’s chief psychiatrist is now reviewing the case.
Mr Dunk appeared in Adelaide Magistrates Court last Thursday afternoon, dressed in a black shirt and white pants.
The shaved-head man sat quietly throughout the proceedings.
His defence lawyer did not ask for bail but asked that Mr Dunk be remanded in custody on mental health grounds, which magistrate Lynette Duncan supported.
Ms Seed’s fiance Chris Smith said he and Ms Seed’s family were “devastated and distraught” by what had unfolded.
“We are all devastated and distraught by the actions of someone that the health system has obviously failed,” he said.
“RIP Julez.
“Love you forever, Chris and your beautiful girls.”
Ms Scardigno said Ms Seed’s death had made her “more determined than ever” to create change.
“(The incident) only made me more determined than ever to create change and love harder with every breath and every second you tried to rob me of,” she said.
“I didn’t lie down then and I’m not about to now.
“There is an amazing network of people around me who share my capacity for love and when the time comes I know they will rally with me to ensure change.
“Much love to each and every one of you who have demonstrated this over the past week. Too many to name but know you have carried us through.”
She also praised South Australia’s first responders and said the people surrounding those in tragic circumstances “are the ones that suffer the most.”
Her real estate agency has launched a campaign to raise funds for those affected by the tragedy, with $5405 raised from a $10,000 target as of Wednesday 4pm.
“So please if you are willing to help, rally around them with support and love or alternatively please donate if that’s what they need from you, for Julie’s girls,” she said.
Witnesses to the alleged attack said they heard a woman screaming after a man walked into the Real Estate Agents Group office.
“I just heard some lady screaming and I listened to the door as it just crashed closed,” one woman said.
“To stand here and watch has been really scary and horrifying to see,” another said.
Detective Chief Inspector Kieran Baggoley said on Wednesday Mr Dunk was known to police.
A knife and a small hammer were allegedly found at the scene, with the attack believed to be completely random.
“There is no information to suggest this is anything other than (a random attack),” he said.
Police believe Mr Dunk attended the real estate agency on foot and may have been walking along Anzac Highway and surrounding areas prior to the alleged incident.
Matthew Carr, a long-time friend of Mr Smith, told NCA NewsWire his friend was confronting serious challenges, including being a single parent and sole earner for the home the couple only recently built and moved into.
“My friend is in great need of support,” Mr Carr said. “He’s got two girls there that he’s going to need to continue to support”
Mr Dunk will next appear in court on March 28, 2024 for a charge determination hearing.