Cancer survivor stabbed to death by stepson struggling with untreated mental
Tony Di Falco, 61, was stabbed to death by stepson Mehmet Bertan, 34, who had untreated schizophrenia.
Tony Di Falco was stabbed to death in his Hillside home on October 4, 2024, by his stepson Mehmet Bertan. Di Falco was a cancer survivor who was rebuilding his life after his illness.
Bertan has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and was in a psychotic episode at the time. Bertan maintained his guilty plea to manslaughter in Victorian Supreme Court this week.
Di Falco's brother told the court that his sibling was a beloved father and devoted family member who had "fought and survived cancer". Bertan's mother had married Di Falco in 2023.
Weeks before the attack, Bertan experienced a psychotic episode where he falsely believed his family home would be robbed. Experts agreed his mental illness was not properly treated, meaning his self-control was "seriously impaired".
Bertan stabbed Di Falco multiple times, with three fatal blows to the neck.
Why it mattersUntreated mental illness was a key factor in this tragedy. Proper care and support systems can prevent such outcomes.
AustraliaMental health service gaps continue to put Australian families at risk of serious violence.
Corroborated bythenightly.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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