Woman, 90, Allegedly Stabbed to Death by Grandson in Bondi; Court Hears of Ozempic Use

Neighbors of Valentina Spivak, 90, in Sydney's Bondi Beach area have described her as a kind and reserved woman following her alleged stabbing death on Saturday. Police were called to her unit on Chambers Avenue around 5:15 p.m. and found Ms. Spivak with multiple stab wounds to her torso and throat. Despite resuscitation efforts by officers, she could not be revived.

Ms. Spivak's grandson, 47-year-old Sergei Mitnik, was arrested at the scene and has been charged with a domestic violence-related murder. During a bail hearing on Sunday, Mitnik's solicitor stated that his client was experiencing mental health issues and had recently been taking Ozempic, a diabetes medication also used for weight loss. "He states to me that Ozempic had an effect on him as a result of the medication," the solicitor told the court.

Court documents indicate that Mitnik had been estranged from his grandmother. He allegedly visited her home, stayed for about an hour, and then proceeded to strangle and stab her 19 times. Following the alleged attack, he reportedly called emergency services and requested assistance in removing a body, stating his grandmother was "being not compliant." Police found a knife at the scene. Mitnik did not apply for bail and it was formally refused. The judge recommended he receive necessary treatment and medication.

Eastern Suburbs Police Area Commander Detective Superintendent Jodi Radmore called the incident "awful" for the community and the victim's family, emphasizing that "one alleged murder is too many."

Ms. Spivak's death was one of three fatal attacks on women in separate incidents across New South Wales within a short period. Earlier on Saturday, a 23-year-old woman died from critical stab wounds in Wagga Wagga. Later that evening, the body of another woman in her 70s was discovered at Mole River after reports of a domestic violence incident. Investigations into all three incidents are ongoing.