Melbourne man killed by son with mental health issues

Stephen O'Brien, a 68-year-old man from Melbourne, was found dead in January 2023 after expressing fears that his son, Scott, would harm him. Scott had a history of violence and mental health issues, including schizophrenia. Scott was arrested and charged with murder but was found not guilty by reason of mental impairment in April 2024. A coroner's report revealed that Stephen had suffered years of abuse from his son, leading to his death from blunt force trauma. The coroner highlighted the challenges faced by caregivers of individuals with untreated mental health issues. He called for increased awareness and support for hidden caregivers, emphasizing the need for better resources to prevent elder abuse.