Australian National University Stabbing – Ilysha Perry and Isabelle Vasudeva have been named as the victims of an accused stabbing spree at a top university in Australia. Alex Ophel, 24, was taken into custody by the police on Monday after he was accused of stabbing two female college students, both aged 20. During his 30-minute rampage across the Canberra campus, he allegedly smacked two other international students in the head with a frypan. Second-year ANU student Perry hails from Batemans Bay in southern New South Wales. She has not improved in the intensive care unit.
Isabelle Vasudeva’s condition has not changed. Twenty-year-old ANU student Ilysha Perry is hospitalized in critical condition. Another ANU student, 20-year-old Isabelle Vasudeva, who was allegedly stabbed in the attack, is in stable condition. Ophel faces charges of attempted murder on two counts, assault on two counts, and possession of a weapon with intent to kill on a third count. Sally Wheeler, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of the Australian National University, lauded the bravery of the ANU staff and students who kept people safe.
Acting AFP Superintendent Stephanie Leonard said the event disrupted the campus’s normally quiet atmosphere. Alex Ophel, a former student at the Australian National University, has been denied bail and will undergo a psychological evaluation. Previously, police maintained that they had found no evidence linking Ophel to the attack and that they did not believe any of the victims were known to him. Ophel had a brief court appearance on Tuesday, where he was subsequently denied bail. On October 17th, he will be evaluated for his mental health. Vice Chancellor Brian Schmidt of the Australian National University urged people affected by the incident to get professional care.
“I understand this incident may have caused distress among members of our community and I want to remind you that support is available, In times like these, it is essential we support one another and stay connected as a community, I know several members of our community stopped to help those injured or stepped in to shepherd people away from danger,” ANU Vice-Chancellor Professor Brian Schmidt said in a statement. Anyone who witnessed or has footage of the incident and has not already spoken to police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
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