Jurors Hear Premeditation in Canberra Zoo Murder
The ACT Supreme Court has been told that the brutal stabbing murder of a woman at Canberra’s National Zoo and Aquarium last December was premeditated and planned, a finding that could shape the sentencing hearing underway for the accused. Jude Wijesinghe, 31, pleaded guilty in July to the murder of his colleague Tshewang Choden inside a kitchen storeroom where both worked.
According to witness testimony and court documents, Ms Choden was stabbed 14 times in the confined space, as witnesses described a scene of chaos, fear, and sudden violence. The courtroom has since been filled with accounts of the day’s events and the long shadow they cast over the zoo community.
Impact on Colleagues and Family
During an ongoing sentencing hearing, colleagues of Ms Choden delivered victim impact statements that highlighted the deep emotional and professional toll of the crime. “He betrayed us in the most violent way,” said Amanda Mead, a senior staff member, describing the sense of personal betrayal and ongoing grief. She noted that she had attended every court appearance, making a personal commitment to ensure the family received justice.
Ms Mead’s statement reflected the broader impact on staff who describe a workplace forever changed by the incident. Another member of the zoo’s team spoke of the murder as “cruel and unjust,” stating that what they witnessed has permanently scarred their mind and altered how they perceive safety in their daily work.
The victim’s family also spoke through a statement read in court. Written by one of Ms Choden’s brothers, it described her as “our heart, our joy, our light,” and said her absence is felt in every moment. The family spoke of “deep and constant grief,” pleading for justice and addressing Wijesinghe directly, asserting that he had taken something precious from them.
Mental Health, Delusion, and Premeditation
As part of the sentencing hearing, forensic psychiatrist Dr. Andrew Caroll outlined Wijesinghe’s deteriorating mental health in the months leading up to the murder. He described a “major depressive episode” and said Wijesinghe’s state of mind included delusional allusions and psychotic features, which created a distorted perception of reality and a pathological fixation on the victim.
Prosecutors stressed that the elements of premeditation and preparation signified full moral culpability, even amidst severe mental health challenges. Victoria Engel, Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, noted that Wijesinghe had written a note to a friend of Ms Choden about two weeks before the attack and had transported a knife from the kitchen into a storeroom, locking the door and trapping Ms Choden inside. These details, she argued, demonstrated planning and intent beyond a spontaneous act.
Defense Perspective and Legal Next Steps
Defence counsel Kylie Weston-Scheuber contends that Wijesinghe’s actions were integrally connected to his mental illness, arguing that delusional thinking and impaired judgment played a central role. The defence contends that these factors should influence the appropriate penalty while acknowledging the gravity of the crime.
The Chief Justice of the ACT Supreme Court, Lucy McCallum, is presiding over the sentencing hearing, which is set to resume next week. The court will weigh the evidence of premeditation, the psychiatric assessment, survivor testimonies, and the victim’s family statements in determining an appropriate sentence. The outcome will not only determine the punishment for Wijesinghe but also set a tone for how the community processes such violent acts within a working environment.
What This Means for the Canberra Zoo Community
Beyond the legal proceedings, the case has spurred renewed conversations about workplace safety, mental health support, and procedures for handling tensions among colleagues in high-stress environments. Zoo leadership has pledged ongoing support for staff, families, and the broader public as the community processes a tragedy that has touched many lives.
