Thursday, December 19, 2024

Sixth victim in Sydney shopping centre stabbings named

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The sixth person who died in the Sydney shopping centre stabbings has been named.

Yixuan Cheng, 25, was from China and was studying for a master’s degree in economics at the University of Sydney, according to Sky News Australia.

Her name was confirmed by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Ms Cheng’s fiance in China, named as Mr Wang, told a Chinese publication he had spoken to her on social media moments before the attack on Saturday.

“She even tried on clothes for me to see,” he said, adding that she had sent him a photo of her holding a handbag earlier that afternoon.

After the stabbing attack, he tried to contact her but there was no response.

It comes as New South Wales police revealed they are looking into the possibility that attacker Joel Cauchi targeted women when choosing his victims in the Westfield shopping centre in Bondi Junction.

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The Sydney stabbings attacker has been named by police as Joel Cauchi

The attack was brought to a stop when lone police officer Amy Scott shot and killed Cauchi.

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Police have said that the 40-year-old had a history of mental health issues, and they do not believe the attack was terror-motivated.

Ashlee Good. Pic: PA
Image:
Ashlee Good. Pic: PA

Ashlee Good

Ashlee Good, 38, a new mum, tried to save her nine-month-old baby Harriet when she was attacked.

She was said to have passed her baby off to two men after she was badly injured.

In a statement, ABC reported her family said: “Today we are reeling from the terrible loss of Ashlee, a beautiful mother, daughter, sister, partner, friend, all-round outstanding human, and so much more.

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At least six killed and several injured after attack in Sydney

“We appreciate the well wishes and thoughts of members of the Australian public who have expressed an outpouring of love for Ashlee and our baby girl.”

The family added that after “hours of surgery” baby Harriet was doing well and they offered their thanks to the men who cared for her during the attack.

In one of her most recent posts, Ms Good wrote on her LinkedIn page: “And just like that, seven beautiful months have passed and it’s time to return to the office.

Inspector Amy Scott
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Inspector Amy Scott shot and killed Cauchi

“It’s not lost on me what a privilege it is to become a parent.

“And then to be gifted some extra time away from work to spend with your child… it’s very special.”

Dawn Singleton

The daughter of a well-known Australian businessman was also named as one of the six victims killed in the attack.

Dawn Singleton, 25, is the daughter of John Singleton, 82, a well-known Australian entrepreneur who built his success through advertising.

She was the oldest daughter of Mr Singleton’s marriage to his sixth wife.

Dawn Singleton. Pic: LinkedIn
Image:
Dawn Singleton. Pic: LinkedIn

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According to Ms Singleton’s LinkedIn profile, she had studied a degree in communications at the University of Technology Sydney.

Ms Singleton worked at the White Fox Boutique who released a tribute on Instagram.

Emergency service workers are seen at the scene at Bondi Junction. Pic: Reuters
Image:
Emergency service workers are seen at the scene in Bondi Junction. Pic: Reuters

It said: “In loving memory of Dawn. Over the weekend we lost not only an employee of White Fox but someone special to us who felt like a family member.

“We are all truly devastated by this loss. Dawn was a sweet, kind-hearted person who had her whole life ahead of her. She was really amazing.

“We send our love & deepest condolences to her partner, the Singleton family & her friends. She will always be remembered as part of the White Fox family.”

Faraz Tahir

He worked as a security guard at the shopping centre.

Faraz Tahir was named by the Australian Pakistani National Association, which labelled him “courageous” in a statement on social media.

Faraz Tahir. Pic: Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Australia
Image:
Faraz Tahir. Pic: Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Australia

They said: “With heavy hearts, we share the news of a tragic incident at a Sydney mall, where lives were lost, including a courageous Pakistani national Faraz Ahmed who had moved from Brisbane for work.”

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Australia said: “Faraz Tahir, aged 30, sought refuge in Australia just a year ago, fleeing persecution in his home country of Pakistan. He quickly became an integral part of our community, known for his unwavering dedication and kindness.”

Jade Young

On Sunday, New South Wales Police confirmed a fourth victim, 47-year-old Jade Young.

Ms Young worked as an architect in Sydney.

Jade Young. Pic: Supplied
Image:
Jade Young. Pic: Supplied

She was reportedly a member of Bronte Surf Life Saving Club, which issued a statement cancelling a weekend event.

They added: “This is and will be a difficult time for the community, and we encourage you to seek support from family, friends, fellow club members or to speak to your GP to assist you in processing this tragedy. We are here to support the community, and our heartfelt condolences go out to everyone affected.”

Pikria Darchia

The fifth victim of the attack was named as 55-year-old Pikria Darchia, New South Wales Police said.

Pikria Darchia, 55. Pic: PA
Image:
Pikria Darchia, 55. Pic: PA

Ms Darchia, according to her LinkedIn profile, worked in Tbilisi, Georgia, as a designer from 2003 to 2013 and described herself as an artist.

Following that, she spent three years studying in Bondi Junction from 2013.

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