Recently released mental health patient unleashed violent rampage | 9 News Australia

Serious institutional questions are being leveled at the Queensland Government this morning after a terrifying, deadly rampage through regional Queensland left an elderly community member dead. Investigative findings have confirmed that the prime suspect, 36-year-old Richard Babos, was legally released from state mental health detention just days prior to embarking on the unprovoked crime spree. Reporting live from police headquarters in Brisbane, 9News reporter Andrea Crothers details how Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls is currently refusing to launch an independent, departmental investigation into the processes that permitted Babos’ release. The severe lack of transparency has sparked widespread outrage from local residents and victims' advocacy groups demanding immediate answers from state leadership. Police allegations detail a calculated path of violence that began on Wednesday afternoon along the Bruce Highway, where Babos deliberately reversed his vehicle into a Tesla before physically shouting abuse at the motorist. Less than 30 minutes later, the suspect intentionally struck a Mitsubishi Pajero, exiting his vehicle to violently punch the driver. The rampage then turned catastrophic when Babos allegedly bashed an innocent 78-year-old dog walker to death. Moments after the homicide, the suspect focused his attention on another local resident, Andrew Kearney. Kearney provides a harrowing first-hand account of the attack, explaining how Babos systematically attempted to choke and strangle him with a garden hose before he began blacking out. Kearney was miraculously saved by the quick intervention of nearby friends who physically subdued the attacker until police arrived. Richard Babos remains behind bars, facing a string of severe indictments including murder and attempted murder. Stay up to date with Australia's most trusted investigative journalism. Like this video, subscribe to 9News Australia, and click the bell icon for immediate updates. | *Subscribe and 🔔: http://9Soci.al/KM6e50GjSK9* *Get more breaking news at 9News.com.au: http://9Soci.al/iyCO50GjSK6* FOLLOW 9News Australia ► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/9News/ ► Twitter: https://twitter.com/9NewsAUS ► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/9news/ Join 9News for the latest in news and events that affect you in your local city, as well as news from across Australia and the world. #9News #BreakingNews #NineNewsAustralia #9NewsAU