AustraliaDisability & Therapy
Man with Disability Killed in Own Home at Public Housing Complex in Adelaide
A 65‑year‑old man with disability was allegedly stabbed to death in a Gilberton public housing unit. A suspect is in custody following a chilling confrontation next door, raising deep concerns about safety and support for vulnerable tenants.
What Happened (with Hard Facts)
- A 65‑year‑old man with a disability, Andrew Sorby‑Adams, was found stabbed to death in his unit at the Bentzen Court Housing Trust site on Walkerville Terrace, Gilberton, Adelaide’s inner-north. His carer found him unresponsive and called SA Ambulance for a welfare check; paramedics discovered multiple stab wounds.
- Minutes earlier, a 30‑year‑old woman allegedly stabbed him, then burst into the neighbouring home—former Channel 7 host Jan Beasley’s place—“covered in blood,” screaming “they’re going to kill me”.
- The woman was arrested, charged with murder and property damage, and taken for a mental health assessment. Her identity is suppressed; she didn’t apply for bail and appeared via video link .
Incident Breakdown
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Victim | Andrew Sorby‑Adams, 65, man with a disability |
| Location | Bentzen Court, Walkerville Terrace, Gilberton |
| Date | Monday night (reported 2 days ago) |
| Suspect | 30‑year‑old woman |
| Charges | Murder; property damage; mental health assessment |
| Neighbour’s Reaction | “Covered in blood,” screaming fear next door |
| Community Concern | Long-term residents feel unsafe; 2018 antisocial issues required security |
Voices from the Neighbourhood
- Jan Beasley (ex-Channel 7 host): “Something has to change… everybody in this neighbourhood is scared to death… how would you like to live next to that for 30 years, and you can’t go out your back gate.”
- Acting Superintendent Damien Eichner (SA Police):
Reported a mental health assessment was underway and the suspect is awaiting court while no bail has been requested.
Context & Concern
- The Bentzen Court complex previously needed security in 2018 following anti-social incidents, alerting locals to ongoing safety flaws.
- Adelaide Public Housing is once again under pressure to review its procedures—especially for residents with disabilities and ongoing vulnerabilities.
What’s Next?
- The woman won’t return to court until after her psychiatric evaluation.
- SA Housing Trust is under growing pressure to reassess tenant safety, mental health access, and rapid-response protocols for emergencies.
Bottom Line
This tragic incident reflects more than a crime—it underscores deeper structural issues in public housing, mental health support, and community security. Until these systems improve, vulnerable residents may remain at risk.
