David Nadi Lamie Moussa Found Not Guilty of Murder on Grounds of Insanity
A Supreme Court judge has ruled that a man who stabbed his 72-year-old father to death and injured his stepmother was operating under a psychotic delusion, finding him not guilty by reason of insanity.
The incident occurred at the family home in Clarkson, Perth, in February last year. Judge Terence Palmer of the Supreme Court concluded that Moussa intended to kill his father due to a delusion caused by psychosis. Moussa had pleaded not guilty to one count of murder and one count of grievous bodily harm.
Key Details of the Attack
Moussa stabbed his father with a Japanese kitchen knife outside their home after driving from Queensland to Western Australia. He also injured his 52-year-old stepmother when she attempted to disarm him.
- Before the attack, Moussa took his six-year-old half-sister outside to prevent her from witnessing the event.
- After the stabbing, Moussa called emergency services and stated, "I killed my father."
Psychosis and Delusions
Psychiatrist Adam Brett testified that Moussa may have been experiencing psychosis from a combination of medication and stress.
Moussa believed that killing his father was morally right, based on delusions that his father had abused him as part of a secret research project.
Brett stated that Moussa had been unwell for at least six months prior to the killing, with consistent delusions about his father. There was no evidence of abuse; Moussa reportedly had a normal childhood.
Legal Outcome
- Moussa was also found not guilty of endangering the life, health, and safety of his stepmother.
- A hearing in July will determine whether Moussa is fit to rejoin the community under a supervision order.