Incredible twist after real estate worker was wounded and her colleague allegedly stabbed to death
A woman seriously injured in an alleged random knife attack that killed her colleague at an Adelaide real estate office has been released from hospital.
Susan Scardigno was working at REAL Estate Agents Group in Plympton on December 20 when Shaun Michaels Dunk allegedly burst through the door and stabbed her and colleague Julie Seed with a knife.
Ms Seed, a 38-year-old property manager, died at the scene, while 50-year-old Ms Scardigno was seriously injured and taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital.
A hospital spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia on Tuesday that Ms Scardigno had been discharged but could provide no further details about her condition.
Susan Scardigno (above), who was seriously injured in an alleged random knife attack that killed her colleague in an Adelaide real estate office, has been released from hospital
Dunk, who has been charged with both murder and attempted murder, was released from a mental health facility on the morning of the alleged attack.
The 30-year-old had been discharged from hospital on December 18, despite warning police a fortnight earlier that he was hallucinating and worried he was going to hurt someone.
Ms. Scarigno had worked at the agency for five years as a business development manager, while Ms. Seed was hired two years ago.
A friend of Ms Scardigno previously told Daily Mail Australia the mother suffered her injuries while trying to protect Ms Seed.
'I am devastated for Julie's family and may they rest in peace, there are no words for this [alleged] horrific event that took place,” the friend said.
“I am more than anyone's relieved that Susan survived, but I know her scars will be a reminder of her fight to save her friend.”
Ms Scarigno's husband Paul was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 19 years ago.
Julie Seed (left) and Susan Scardigno (right) were stabbed by a stranger at their workplace on December 20
She became his full-time carer as his illness progressed, leaving him in a wheelchair, and they moved back to Adelaide from Melbourne with their daughter to be closer to their family.
The couple later split and Ms Scardigno began a new relationship around 2019 with Sydney bank manager Sean Sykes, who is the head of a credit department for the Commonwealth Bank.
Mrs. Scardigno was still actively involved in caring for her estranged husband last year.
REAL Estate Agents Group director Ally Comley took to Facebook on Sunday to pay tribute to her employees.
Ms. Comley described Ms. Scarigno and Ms. Seed as “sisters” to their colleagues and “an integral part of our REAL family whom we love dearly.”
“Julie's family is suffering incredibly from the pain of their loss and we sympathize deeply with them,” Ms Comley wrote.
“Sue was seriously injured but pulled through through her inner strength and the hand of God.
Ms Scardigno is pictured with her partner, Sean Sykes, on a recent night out in Sydney
'She is an inspiring woman and is already making a remarkable recovery thanks to her tenacity.
“But I'm sure her emotional healing will take a long time. We will support them all in every way we can.”
Photos on social media show Ms Seed celebrating Melbourne Cup Day 2021 with her colleagues, who described her as a “little diamond” and one of the “happiest in our office”.
Ms Scarigno posted the photos on Facebook, adding: “Day out with my crew.”
“Trifecta and Pick 4 in the bag, but would have traded the win to share this day again with this REAL Estate Agents Group,” she wrote.
Ms Comley said Ms Seed's death and Ms Scardigno's injuries had had a deep impact on the families, friends and clients of their colleagues.
“Such tragedies never remain within a few people,” she wrote. 'They have a ripple effect and in this case the emotional damage for many families is enormous.
“We have been overwhelmed and humbled by messages of support from our customers, landlords, tenants and our neighboring businesses – your kindness and beautiful messages have touched us.”
Dunk spent the night of December 19 in the care of the Urgent Mental Health Care Center on Grenfell Street in Adelaide's central business district before being released two hours before the alleged attack.
He was arrested under the Mental Health Act on December 5 after turning up at a police station claiming he was experiencing hallucinations of people threatening to kill him, according to The Advertiser.
SA Health has begun an investigation into their processes and the state's chief psychiatrist will review the circumstances surrounding Dunk's treatment and discharge.
Dunk appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court via video link on December 21.
He has not applied for bail and will remain in custody until March, when he will appear in court again.