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Australian Woman Decapitates Mother During Heated Argument
More than 100 stab wounds were found on Rita Camilleri’s head and face
Twenty-five-year-old Jessica Camilleri lived in the St. Clair community of western Sydney, Australia, with her 57-year-old mother, Rita Camilleri. On July 19, 2019, the pair got into an argument that ended with Jessica decapitating her mother in front of a four-year-old boy present in the home.
The young boy was Jessica’s nephew. Rita had been babysitting for her sister when the incident occurred. He is believed to have witnessed the events that took place and was also injured in the altercation, suffering a minor head injury. He was treated and released at Westmead Children’s Hospital. Camilleri was later arrested in the front yard of their neighbor’s house and charged with murder.
According to Nepean Police Area Commander Detective Superintendent Inspector (CDSI) Brett McFadden, the scene was one of the “most significant, most horrific scenes police have had to face.”
In her first appearance in court after the murder, Camilleri stated that she was unable to properly move her fingers to remove the blood from them after the attack. Her attorney indicated that Camilleri had multiple mental health concerns and didn’t request bail. She was ordered to undergo a psychological evaluation before her next court date.
Jessica stood accused of stabbing her mother more than 100 times and gouging out her eyes after flying into a fit of rage as the two argued. She then took her mother’s decapitated head outside and set it down on the sidewalk. Neighbors contacted the police to come to the scene. Jessica did not attempt to flee, instead waiting for them to arrive. Included in a report from 7News, is audio of Jessica speaking to first responders:
During the trial, it was revealed that Jessica had asked officers reporting to the scene whether doctors would be able to sew her mother’s head back on. When an officer told her that “was a bit…
