Arabic version: تم العثور على قاتل مدان ميتًا في زنزانته في سجن ملبورن

Joel Micallef, the man who killed Nikkita Azzopardi, has been found dead in his jail cell at the Metropolitan Remand Centre in Melbourne. According to ABC News, Micallef’s death occurred on Sunday morning, shortly before he was scheduled to be transferred to a secure mental health facility.

The 34-year-old had been held at the MRC while awaiting medical reports necessary for his transfer to Thomas Embling Hospital, which specializes in treating individuals with complex mental health issues. In December, a Supreme Court judge found Micallef not guilty due to mental impairment, citing his struggle with schizophrenia and acute psychosis at the time of the attack.

Justice Amanda Fox noted that there was no doubt Micallef intended to kill Azzopardi, but emphasized his severe psychiatric condition during the incident. Azzopardi’s family has been informed of Micallef’s death, and they have previously expressed their grief over her loss, describing her as an “amazing person” and a “gentle soul.”

Corrections Victoria confirmed the death of a 34-year-old man at the MRC, stating that all deaths in custody are reported to the Coroners Court of Victoria, which will formally investigate the cause of death.