Matt Doran unable to present Weekend Sunrise because he knew one of the Bondi Junction Westfield victims ‘very well’

Weekend Sunrise presenter Matt Doran was unable to present the program on Sunday because he knew one of the victims of the Bondi Junction Westfield massacre.

Doran’s regular co-host Monique Wright told viewers that both Doran and weatherman James Tobin were close to one of the people stabbed at the mall.

“Matt Doran and JT knew one of the victims very well and they are not with us today to participate in the show,” Wright said.

Michael Usher replaced Doran as the Network Seven breakfast program continued reporting on the multiple murders.

Police have identified the man who killed six shoppers on Saturday afternoon as 40-year-old Queenslander Joel Cauchi.

Cauchi, who reportedly slept poorly and had no fixed address, is said to suffer from schizophrenia.

Investigators are searching a small storage facility in Sydney that Cauchi rented out shortly after he moved to NSW a month ago.

Police were called to Bondi Junction Westfield at 3.20pm on Saturday when Cauchi, armed with a knife, chased men, women and children.

Inspector Amy Scott was the first officer on scene. She entered the mall alone, ran up to Cauchi and shot him dead when he charged at her with the knife.

Both Doran and Weekend Sunrise weatherman “knew one of the victims very well,” co-host Monique Wright told the audience. Doran is pictured reporting on last year’s Hunter Valley wedding bus tragedy

Five victims of the stabbing – including four women believed to be between 20 and 55 years old and a man in his 30s – died at the scene.

Ashlee Good, the mother of a nine-month-old, was taken to St. Vincent’s Hospital, where she died.

Dawn Singleton, the 25-year-old daughter of multi-millionaire advertising guru John Singleton, has also been identified as one of those killed in the attack.

Twelve others – including nine women, two men and Ms Good’s baby, Harriet – suffered stab wounds, were treated by paramedics and taken to various hospitals in Sydney.

Assistant Commissioner Anthony Cooke said detectives had spoken to Cauchi’s family who were assisting police with their investigation.

“There is still no information that we have received, no evidence that we have recovered, no information that we have gathered that would indicate that this was driven by any particular motivation – ideology or otherwise,” said Deputy Commissioner Cooke to reporters. Sunday.

Police have identified the man who killed six shoppers on Saturday afternoon as 40-year-old Queenslander Joel Cauchi (above). Cauchi, who reportedly slept poorly and had no fixed address, is said to suffer from schizophrenia

‘We continue to work on profiling the perpetrator, but it seems very clear to us at this stage that this is linked to the mental health of the individual involved.’

According to his social media profiles, Cauchi grew up in Toowoomba and claimed he worked as an English teacher.

A surfing enthusiast, he posted to a Facebook group in Sydney last week asking if anyone wanted to meet him for a surf in Bondi.

Assistant Commissioner Cooke said police were still trying to determine how Cauchi came into possession of the murder weapon, described by witnesses as a 12-inch hunting knife.

While the investigation continues, all witnesses, anyone with information or sight of a mobile phone who has not yet spoken to police, are urged to call police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.