Written by Olivia Day for Daily Mail Australia
03:41 December 27, 2023, updated 03:43 December 27, 2023
A real estate agent who was seriously injured in a suspected street stabbing has paid tribute to his late colleague, calling him a “wonderful human being”.
Shawn Michaels Dunk, 30, is accused of breaking into a group of real estate agents in Plimpton, Adelaide, on December 20 and assaulting the women.
Property manager Julie Seed, 38, died at the scene and team leader Susan Scardinho, 50, was rushed to Royal Adelaide Hospital with serious injuries.
Scardigno broke her silence on Wednesday, saying her tragic death “did not extinguish her light” but “only made it shine brighter.”
“Now we all know what a wonderful human being she was: kind, loving, and with the ability to see beauty in the smallest things,” she wrote on Facebook.
“Julie saw the world and everything in it in a way that few people take the time to do, and now she’s reminding others to do the same. Masu.
‘For me, [I’m] Now more than ever, I am determined to make a difference and strengthen my love with every breath I take.
“I didn’t lie down then, and I won’t lie down now.”
Scardigno thanked her partner Sean, her daughters, her true colleagues and the first responders she credits for saving her life.
Dunk was charged with murder and attempted murder and was released from a mental health facility on December 20.
He was also discharged from hospital on December 18, despite having hallucinations and alerting police two weeks earlier because he was worried he might hurt someone.
This comes after Allie Comrie, president of Real Estate Agents Group, paid tribute to employees on Sunday and called for more support for mental health workers.
“We must honor dear Julie’s life and ensure this tragedy is the turning point to urgently overhaul the SA mental health system that has completely failed so many people.” Comrie wrote on Facebook.
“No one is at fault here. The fault lies entirely with the failings of the broken system in which they work, not with them personally.”
Comrie said Seed and Scardigno are like “sisters” to her colleagues at the firm and are “an integral part of a real family that we love dearly.”
“Julie’s family is suffering incredibly from the pain of their loss and our hearts go out to them,” Comrie wrote.
“Sue was seriously injured, but thanks to her inner strength and the hand of God, she overcame it. She is an inspirational woman whose tenacity has already made her a remarkable recovery.
“But I am confident that her emotional healing will be long-lasting. We will support them all in every way possible.”
A friend of Mr Scardigno previously told Daily Mail Australia that he sustained the injury while trying to protect Mr Seed.
Comrie thanked those who came to the employee’s aid, including paramedics and police officers.
“We are deeply grateful for the brave and timely intervention of our building’s co-tenants,” she wrote. “Without a doubt, they saved Sue’s life.”
Ms Comrie said Ms Seed’s death and Ms Scardigno’s injuries had a profound impact on her co-workers’ families, friends and customers.
“A tragedy like this is never confined to a small minority,” she wrote. “They have a ripple effect, and in this case, the psychological damage to many families is immeasurable.
“We are overwhelmed and humbled by the messages of support from our clients, landlords, tenants, and neighboring businesses. Your kindness and beautiful messages have touched us.”
Ms Dunk was being cared for at an emergency mental health care center on Grenfell Street in Adelaide’s CBD on the night of December 19, but was released two hours before the alleged attack.
He was detained under the Mental Health Act on December 5 after he turned himself in at a police station claiming to be experiencing hallucinations of people threatening to kill him, The Advertiser reported.
SA Health has begun a review of its processes, with the state’s chief psychiatrist expected to scrutinize the circumstances surrounding Ms Dunk’s treatment and discharge.
Dunk appeared in Adelaide Magistrates Court via video link on December 21.
He has not applied for bail and will remain in custody until March, when he is scheduled to appear in court again.
Chris Smith, a friend of Ms Seed’s fiancé, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help her family pay for her flight from the UK and other funeral costs.
Seed, who has two daughters, ages 12 and 18, got engaged to Smith a year ago.