Deceased
Justin James Filardo
Demographics
45y, male
Coroner
Coroner David Ryan
Date of death
2025-07-30
Finding date
2026-04-14
Cause of death
Gunshot wounds to the head and left shoulder
AI-generated summary
Justin Filardo, aged 45, with a 28-year history of schizophrenia, was fatally shot by police after assaulting his sister Bianca in her bedroom. In the weeks prior, Justin had ceased his clozapine medication without clinical knowledge, leading to psychotic deterioration. On 30 July 2025, he attacked Bianca causing severe arm trauma. Police deployed tasers twice but Justin continued assaulting her. After non-lethal options proved ineffective, police discharged 10 rounds, killing him. The coroner found the use of lethal force appropriate and proportionate given the imminent threat to Bianca's life. Clinical lessons include: importance of monitoring medication adherence in community-based antipsychotic treatment, recognising early relapse signs (behaviour change, sleep/hygiene disruption), and the critical role of family communication in mental health crises. Earlier intervention when medication non-compliance was detected might have prevented the acute psychotic episode.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes. Report an inaccuracy.
Specialties
Error types
Drugs involved
Clinical conditions
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