A man in his 20s has died following an alleged stabbing incident inside the grounds of the Church of Scientology facility at Chatswood, in Sydney’s north.
Earlier, a 16-year-old was taken into custody by NSW Police, who responded to calls at the Scientology facility (formally, the Advanced Organization & Saint Hill) at around 12:30pm this afternoon.
Two people were transported to Royal North Shore Hospital suffering injuries following the alleged incident. One of the males, aged 24, subsequently died a short time ago.
According to reports from police, the two victims of the alleged attack, including the deceased, were employees of the church.
Detective Chief Inspector Simon Jones fronted media a short time ago, confirming the 16-year-old had attended the facility in the early afternoon, and had been asked to leave the premises by staff at approximately 12:30pm. Jones the stated that “on being escorted down the roadway a knife was produced and with that knife he stabbed a 24-year-old who we believe to be a Taiwanese male in the neck. He also caused some lacerations to an older gentleman also escorting him from the premises.”
Chatswood: A 24-year-old has been stabbed to death in the grounds of the Church of @Scientology. A teenager has been arrested. #Chatswood #7News https://t.co/yusLXcnUVP
— 7NEWS Sydney (@7NewsSydney) January 3, 2019
The 16-year-old accused was subsequently transported to Chatswood Police Station where he is currently assisting investigators with their enquiries.
Police stated that, despite the investigation’s early stages, the incident occurred in relation to a domestic incident that occurred yesterday.
The Scientology facility is regarded as the “spiritual headquarters” for the church’s operations in the Asia-Pacific region, and provides “advanced religious services” to Scientologists. It’s believed to be the church’s largest facility outside of the United States.
More as this story develops.
