Rita Camilleri Killed By Her Daughter in Sydney Australia

On the night of July 20, 2019, a horrific crime unfolded in St Clair, Western Sydney, Australia. Rita Camilleri, a 57-year-old mother and primary caregiver, was brutally killed and decapitated by her own daughter, Jessica Camilleri. The murder shocked the nation due to its gruesome nature and the troubling background of the perpetrator.

Jessica Camilleri, 25 at the time, suffered from mental health disorders and had a history of violent outbursts. Her obsession with horror movies and past behavioral issues culminated in one of the most disturbing domestic homicides in Australian history.

This article explores the relationship between Rita and Jessica, the events leading up to the murder, the crime itself, the investigation, trial, and sentencing, and the broader implications for mental health and criminal justice.

Who Was Rita Camilleri?

Rita Camilleri was a devoted mother and full-time caregiver to her daughter, Jessica. She was known for her kindness, patience, and resilience in handling Jessica’s behavioral challenges.

Friends and family described Rita as a selfless woman who put her daughter’s needs before her own. She was deeply committed to ensuring Jessica received the necessary care despite her violent tendencies and unpredictable outbursts.

Her dedication to her daughter, however, would ultimately lead to her tragic and untimely death.

Who Was Jessica Camilleri?

Jessica Camilleri had a long history of mental health struggles. She was diagnosed with multiple conditions, including:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Intellectual Disability
• Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED)

She also exhibited severe behavioral issues from a young age, including:

• Violent outbursts towards family members and strangers
• Uncontrollable fits of rage
• An obsession with horror movies, particularly those involving beheadings and dismemberment

Despite numerous attempts to get her professional help, Jessica refused to take medication, and her aggression continued to escalate.

Events Leading Up to the Murder

In the weeks and months before the murder, Jessica’s violent tendencies intensified. She had been expelled from multiple mental health facilities due to aggressive behavior toward staff and other patients.

Rita, concerned for Jessica’s future, had begun discussing the possibility of re-admitting her into a psychiatric hospital. This prospect enraged Jessica, who feared being institutionalized.

On the night of July 20, 2019, tensions between mother and daughter reached a breaking point.

The Murder of Rita Camilleri

According to police reports, Jessica attacked her mother inside their home in St Clair, using multiple kitchen knives. The details of the attack were horrifying:

• Jessica stabbed Rita over 100 times in the head and neck.
• Several knives broke during the assault due to the force of the stabbing.
• She then decapitated her mother and carried the severed head outside the house.

A neighbor witnessed Jessica pacing the street with her mother’s head in her hands. When police arrived, she immediately confessed, stating:

“I just kept stabbing and stabbing and stabbing her, and I took off her head.”

The 911 Call and Police Response

After the murder, Jessica called 000 (Australia’s emergency number) and told the dispatcher what she had done. Her tone was calm yet matter-of-fact, showing little remorse.

When police arrived, they found a scene of unimaginable horror:

• Rita’s mutilated body was inside the home.
• Jessica was covered in blood, standing in the driveway.
• Several bloodied knives were scattered around the property.

She was immediately arrested and taken into custody.

The Investigation and Psychological Assessments

Following her arrest, psychiatric experts were brought in to evaluate Jessica’s mental state. While she was found to have significant cognitive impairments, she was deemed fit to stand trial.

Key findings included:

• She knew right from wrong but had difficulty controlling her impulses.
• She had an obsession with horror films, particularly movies involving decapitation (e.g., Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Jeepers Creepers).
• She had a history of violent attacks on family members, though none had been as severe as this incident.

The prosecution argued that Jessica acted out of rage rather than suffering from complete psychosis.

The Trial and Verdict

Jessica Camilleri’s trial began in December 2020. The prosecution and defense presented contrasting arguments:

• Prosecution: Jessica intended to kill her mother and understood her actions.
• Defense: Jessica suffered from severe mental illness that impaired her judgment.

Despite the defense’s argument, the jury rejected a murder conviction and instead found her guilty of manslaughter due to diminished mental capacity.

Sentencing and Legal Developments

In March 2021, Jessica was sentenced to 21 years and seven months in prison, with a non-parole period of 16 years and two months.

However, in 2023, her sentence was reduced after an appeal argued that her intellectual disability was not fully considered during sentencing. Later that year, she had her sentence extended by 22 months due to attacking two prison officers.

Her earliest parole eligibility is now set for 2032.

Impact on the Community and Family

The murder of Rita Camilleri sent shockwaves through the community. Questions were raised about:

• The mental health system’s failure to prevent such a tragedy.
• The dangers of untreated violent tendencies in individuals with cognitive impairments.
• The struggles faced by caregivers of people with severe mental health issues.

Jessica’s sister, Christy Teresi, has publicly stated that she will never forgive Jessica for what she did.

The Role of Horror Movies in the Crime

One of the most chilling aspects of this case was Jessica’s obsession with horror films.

During the trial, it was revealed that she:

• Repeatedly watched movies involving beheadings and mutilations.
• Fantasized about reenacting scenes from these films.
• Believed that decapitation would bring her mother back to life, similar to horror film tropes.

While movies alone do not cause violence, this case highlighted how unchecked obsessions can lead to dangerous behavior in vulnerable individuals.

Lessons from the Tragic Case

This case underscores the importance of early intervention and mental health support. Key takeaways include:

• Proper mental health treatment and supervision could have prevented this tragedy.
• Caregivers of violent individuals need more support and legal protections.
• Obsession with violent media should be monitored in at-risk individuals.

The murder of Rita Camilleri remains one of Australia’s most shocking domestic crimes, serving as a grim reminder of the consequences of untreated mental illness and unchecked aggression.

Conclusion

The murder of Rita Camilleri by her daughter, Jessica, on July 20, 2019, in St Clair, Western Sydney, was a crime of unimaginable brutality. While Jessica’s mental health issues played a significant role, her violent tendencies, refusal to take medication, and obsession with horror films contributed to a senseless act of domestic violence.

Rita’s tragic death stands as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the need for better mental health care, stronger support systems, and early intervention.