Joel Micallef, Accused in Partner's Death, Dies in Melbourne Jail

Joel Micallef, 34, who was found not guilty of murder due to mental impairment, died in a Melbourne jail over the weekend. Micallef was accused of attacking his partner, Nikkita Azzopardi, with an iron fire stoker in October 2024. He was found dead in his single cell at the Metropolitan Remand Centre (MRC) on Sunday morning.

Death in Custody Confirmed

Corrections Victoria confirmed the death of a 34-year-old man at the MRC. The agency stated that all deaths in custody are reported to the Coroners Court of Victoria for formal determination of the cause of death.

At the time of his death, Micallef was awaiting transfer to the Thomas Embling secure mental health facility.

Family Expresses Relief

Ms. Azzopardi's family members expressed a sense of relief upon learning of Micallef's death.

"Karma got to him."
— Edward Azzopardi, Nikkita Azzopardi's father

Shaun Azzopardi, Ms. Azzopardi's brother, indicated relief that Micallef could no longer harm anyone.

Court Finding of Mental Impairment

In December, a Supreme Court judge found Micallef not guilty of murder by reason of mental impairment. This decision followed evidence that he was experiencing "acute psychosis" during the attack.

Justice Amanda Fox noted that Micallef intended to kill Ms. Azzopardi but was severely psychiatrically unwell at the time.

Calls for Coronial Inquest

Ms. Azzopardi's family expressed dismay that a jury did not consider the evidence in the case. They believe systemic failures occurred before Ms. Azzopardi's death, suggesting that warnings about Micallef's mental health were overlooked.

These issues may be examined in an upcoming coronial inquest.