A woman 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.
Susan Scardigno was working at REAL Estate Agents Group in Plympton on December 20 when Shaun Michaels Dunk allegedly burst through the door and knifed her and workmate Julie Seed.
Ms Seed, a 38-year-old property manager, died at the scene, while 50-year-old Ms Scardigno was critically injured and taken to Royal Adelaide Hospital.
A hospital spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia on Tuesday that Ms Scardigno had been discharged but could not provide any further details about her condition.
Susan Scardigno (above), who 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 one count each of 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 allegedly warning police a fortnight earlier he had been hallucinating and was worried he might hurt someone.
Ms Scardigno 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 had sustained her injuries while trying to protect Ms Seed.
‘I am utterly devastated for Julie’s family and may she rest in peace, there is no words for this [alleged] horrific event that took place,’ the friend said.
‘I am beyond relieved like no other that Susan survived, yet I know her scars will be a reminder of her fight to save her friend.’
Ms Scardigno’s husband Paul was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 19 years ago.
Julie Seed (left) and Susan Scardigno (right) were allegedly 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 family.
The couple later separated and Ms Scardigno began a new relationship around 2019 with Sydney banking manager Sean Sykes who is the head of a loans division for Commonwealth Bank.
Ms Scardigno was still actively involved in the care of her estranged husband last year.
REAL Estate Agents Group principal Ally Comley took to Facebook on Sunday, paying tribute to her employees.
Ms Comley described Ms Scardigno and Ms Seed as like ‘sisters’ to their colleagues and ‘an integral part of our REAL family who we love wholly’.
‘Julie’s family are suffering incredibly with the pain of their loss and we feel deeply for them,’ Ms Comley wrote.
‘Sue was severely injured but pulled through due to her inner strength and the hand of God.
Ms Scardigno is pictured with her partner, Sean Sykes, during a recent night out in Sydney
‘She is an inspirational woman and is already making a remarkable recovery due to her tenacity.
‘But her emotional healing I’m sure, will be lengthy. We will stand by all of them in every way possible.’
Photographs on social media reveal Ms Seed celebrating Melbourne Cup Day in 2021 with her workmates, who described her as a ‘little diamond’ and one of the ‘happiest in our office’.
Ms Scardigno posted the pictures on Facebook and added: ‘Day out with my crew’.
‘Trifecta and Pick 4 in the bag but would have traded the win just 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 deeply affected their colleagues’ families, friends and clients.
‘Such tragedies never just stay within a few,’ she wrote. ‘They have a ripple effect and in this case, the emotional damage to many families is immense.
‘We have been overwhelmed and humbled by messages of support from our clients, landlords, tenants, and our neighbouring 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 Centre on Grenfell Street in Adelaide’s central business district before being let out two hours before the alleged attack.
He had been detained under the Mental Health Act on December 5 after showing up to a police station claiming that he was experiencing hallucinations of people threatening to kill him, according to The Advertiser.
SA Health has launched a review into their processes and the state’s chief psychiatrist will be reviewing the circumstances around Dunk’s treatment and discharge.
Dunk appeared via video link before the Adelaide Magistrates Court on December 21.
He did not apply for bail and will remain in custody until March when he is due to to face the court again.