Man Who Stabbed Father to Death Ordered Back Into Full Detention Over Mental Health Concerns

The man who fatally stabbed his father, former Adelaide Crows coach Phil Walsh, while battling undiagnosed schizophrenia, has been ordered back into full detention after a reported decline in his mental health condition. Cy Walsh, now 34 years old, was found to be mentally incompetent at the time of the shocking attack, which occurred in July 2015.

Since then, Cy has been held in a secure psychiatric facility in South Australia. In 2021, he was granted supervised day trips into Adelaide, but Justice Anne Bampton has now revoked that provision. The decision to return Cy to full detention was made due to concerns about his mental stability.

Cy Walsh pleaded not guilty to murder in December 2015, with the court ruling him not guilty because of mental incompetence in September 2016. The judge set a review period of six months to assess Cy's mental state, with a hearing scheduled for April 2024. Cy's lawyer, Trish Johnson, expressed willingness to seek an earlier hearing if his mental health stabilizes before the designated period.

Phil Walsh, aged 55 at the time of his death, was stabbed 20 times by his son, with at least two of the wounds proving fatal. During the trial, it was revealed that Cy Walsh had undiagnosed and untreated schizophrenia at the time of the attack. Forensic reports confirmed that Walsh was not under the influence of any drugs during the incident.

Following his diagnosis with multiple sclerosis, Cy was transferred to Ashton House, where he could receive treatment. He was granted closely-supervised community release, which has now been revoked by the court.

Upon Cy's sentencing, his mother and Phil Walsh's wife, Meredith, read a statement expressing her continued love and support for her son. She highlighted the devastating consequences of a misunderstood mental illness and the impact it has had on their family.

Phil Walsh had a notable career as a player and coach in Australian Rules Football, having played for Collingwood, Richmond, and the Brisbane Bears. He later became the head coach of the Adelaide Crows in 2015, tragically passing away during that season.

The latest decision to return Cy Walsh to full detention reflects a prioritization of his mental well-being and public safety concerns. The case highlights the complexities surrounding mental health and the need for appropriate care and support for individuals with severe mental health conditions.