One of the most horrifying and irrational acts of violence in contemporary Australian history has been associated with Mert Ney. The 21-year-old, who was then 21 years old, killed 24-year-old Michaela Dunn inside a Clarence Street flat on a chilly afternoon in August 2019 before rampaging around the streets brandishing a bloodied knife. Australia was shocked, heartbroken, and looking for answers as a result of his acts.
Even though he was taken down by onlookers in a matter of minutes, the consequences have persisted for years. Mert Ney keeps making news for all the wrong reasons, from his violent actions within Goulburn’s Supermax jail to the lengthy police investigation and high-profile court case. In addition to a murder trial, the assault was followed by a troubling pattern of continued violence, devastation, and threats, demonstrating that Ney is still dangerous even in the most guarded penal facility in the nation.
This feature compiles all of the confirmed information about the crime, the investigation, the punishment, the occurrences that occurred in jail, the bravery awards, and the timeframe that continues to influence Australian perceptions of the case.
Michaela Dunn’s Murder
Mert Ney went from Blacktown into the Sydney central business district on August 13, 2019. Despite having just $2 and no credit card, he made a $250 appointment with sex worker Michaela Dunn, who was operating out of an apartment on Clarence Street, and he had a kitchen knife in his rucksack.
It turned out to be one of the most heinous murders Sydney has ever seen. Ney repeatedly stabbed Michaela Dunn in the face, neck, and chest. Even seasoned police officers subsequently characterised the sight as horrifying due to the extreme violence of the assault. At the age of 24, Dunn was intelligent, imaginative, and incredibly adored.
As the public grieved her death after the murder, teddy bears, handwritten cards, and flower tributes surfaced outside the building. In the days after the incident, the tributes served as a silent symbol of sorrow, reminding the country that a young lady whose life was snatched with unspeakable brutality lay behind the headlines.
The CBD Rampage in Sydney
Wearing a balaclava and brandishing the bloodied knife, Ney fled the premises minutes after murdering Dunn. He tried to knife everybody who was in his way, yelled at strangers, and leapt on vehicle bonnets. He stabbed another lady in the shoulder close to King Street and then ran away once again.
When they saw a guy rushing across the city with murder in his eyes, people yelled for aid, office workers fled inside, and traffic backed up. Mobile phone footage showed Ney brandishing the knife and making fun of onlookers, transforming Sydney’s streets into scenes of utter mayhem.
Before common Australians intervened, Ney’s fury seemed to be unstoppable.
The Defenders Who Prevented Him
The pivotal moment occurred when Ney was accosted by a group of brave onlookers. Their deeds were dubbed the “milk crate moment” around the world.Jase Shore, one of the guys, was seated at a traffic signal when he seen Ney running through the streets with a knife. Shore jumped out of his vehicle and chased after them, shouting for people to get out of the way. Years later, looking back on the incident, he acknowledged the odd timing that brought him face-to-face with a murderer and described it as “the wrong place at the right time.”
Jamie Ingram, another guy, heard shouts and knew right away that someone was in need of assistance. He ran up to Ney and, out of impulse, slammed a café chair into him. Others were able to close in after the punch.On their way back from a duty, firefighters Gonzalo Herrera and Bennett Gardiner saw the chaos taking place all around them. They joined the hunt even though they had equipment meant for fighting fires, not conflicts. While one attacked Ney, another pinned him down with a chair.
Together, they pushed Ney to the ground with Mitchell Bennetts’ assistance. Ney was restrained until police came by pressing a milk box over his head and neck.These guys were awarded national Bravery Decorations six years later, in 2025—a unique and noteworthy accolade. Despite their gratitude, they all acknowledged that the acknowledgement carried a significant emotional burden since nobody could forget the tragedy at the core of that day.
The Strike Force Lalchere Police Investigation
NSW Police initiated Strike Force Lalchere, a significant operation, the morning after the assault. Whether the murder and rampage had any ideological or extremist undertones was the main focus of the enquiry.
After searching Ney’s family’s Marayong residence and another in Blacktown, detectives found unsettling content on a USB stick. Concerns were immediately raised by the device’s mass-casualty and extremist-style material. Ney’s texts and recordings were also found by the authorities, one of which had the terrifying statement, “Yeah, I’m a f*ing psycho.” **
Police concluded that the assault was not ideologically motivated, despite the information suggesting exposure to extremist ideology. Rather, it was a reflection of Ney’s rapidly declining mental health and abrupt plunge into severe violence.
Proceedings in Court and Guilty Plea
Mert Ney admitted to killing Michaela Dunn and injuring the second victim on October 27, 2020. Although his plea prevented a drawn-out trial, it did not lessen the gravity of what he had done.
Ney recorded himself after the murder, acted strangely, and had no quick remorse, the court heard during sentence. The assault was described as “cruel, brutal, and terrifying” by Justice Peter Johnson, who also emphasised that Dunn’s murder was carried out without any justification.
Sentencing and the Result of the Appeal
Ney was given a sentence of 44 years in jail with a 33-year non-parole term on May 14, 2021. The seriousness of the offence, the dread he instilled in the population, and the continuous threat he presented were all reflected in the severe punishment.
Ney appealed his sentence in October 2023. The maximum sentence was lowered to 40 years with a 30-year non-parole period when the Court of Criminal Appeal allowed a reduction. But because of his aggressive behaviour while behind, Ney’s earliest release date was eventually moved to October 2050, guaranteeing that he would be behind bars for many years to come.
Violence, Outbursts, and Escalation in Supermax Life
Mert Ney was sent to the High Risk Management Correctional Centre in Goulburn, sometimes referred to as Supermax, the highest-security jail in New South Wales, after his punishment. Ney’s actions while incarcerated soon became a serious management issue in spite of the stringent restrictions.
According to prison sources, he was labelled a “problem child” by correctional personnel because of his increasing outbursts, threats, and physical assaults. Officers documented over 23 distinct instances, including efforts to make weapons, property destruction, and acts of aggression.
Constant instability has characterised Ney’s incarceration, requiring authorities to repeatedly encounter a guy who is capable of abrupt, erratic behaviour.
The AVL Equipment Destruction and Tear Gas Incident
The audiovisual link (AVL) appearance before a court in late 2024 was one of the most significant events. The hearing “didn’t go his way,” according to reports, which led to a violent outburst inside his Supermax cell.
Within seconds, Ney was on the desk, kicking and smashing the AVL monitor and other devices, and removing a manufactured weapon. The weapon, a razor blade fastened to a piece of plastic with a purple rope knotted to one end, was deadly and rudimentary.
Ney dropped the weapon and complied after police in the High Risk Management Unit used tear gas on him because they were unable to calm him. The weapon was promptly confiscated and taken into custody for forensic analysis. This episode highlighted the hazards posed by those in charge of his supervision and reaffirmed the exceptional steps needed to restrain him.
2024 Attack on a Prison Guard
Another significant violent incident occurred within Supermax on July 5, 2024. Ney attacked a correctional officer abruptly and slashed him across the chest with a sword made of gaol.
The cop was treated for minor chest injuries after being transported to the hospital in a stable condition. Despite not being life-threatening, the injuries served as a sobering reminder of the risks correctional workers confront when working with high-risk inmates.
NSW Police interrogated Ney after the incident and confiscated the homemade weapon for forensic examination. Ney’s criminal record is further augmented by the current enquiry.
Other Prominent Offences in Prison
In addition to the two significant episodes, Ney has committed many more crimes while inside, each of which has resulted in longer imprisonment terms and more stringent oversight. These consist of:
- Setting fire to his cell, which resulted in a 12-month term
- A 15-month sentence for hurling boiling water at another prisoner
- Threatening policemen, spilling hot coffee on employees, and damaging property; assaulting a police officer in detention, which results in an extra 15 months in prison;
Despite his successful sentence appeal, each violent event has delayed Ney’s earliest probable release date, which is currently October 2050.
The Effect on the Community and Public Response
Sydney was shocked by Michaela Dunn’s murder and the ensuing rampage. Office workers who were there during the mayhem have spoken of long-term anxiety brought on by the memories of that day, recurrent terror, and panic attacks in crowded areas.
For the family, friends, and supporters of Michaela Dunn, the tragedy permanently altered their lives. Flowers, posters, candles, teddy bears, and handwritten inscriptions were among the public memorials erected outside the building, reflecting the sorrow and anguish of the community as a whole. The severity of the murder and the senselessness of her death caused many strangers to express their sadness for a young lady they had never met.
Bravery Honours and Recognition
The town was crushed by the murder, but the courage of common Australians provided a powerful counterbalance.
Five men, including Mitchell Bennetts, Gonzalo Herrera, Bennett Gardiner, Jamie Ingram, and Jase Shore, were honoured nationally in 2025 for their valiant deeds.
Before more lives were lost, their courage stopped more fatalities and brought a perilous situation under control. Since then, each guy has considered the experience’s emotional impact. In addition to recognising their courage, the prizes brought back memories they will always cherish.
A Comprehensive Chronology of the Mert Ney Case
August 13, 2019: Rampage and Murder
After killing Michaela Dunn at an apartment on Clarence Street, Ney stabs another lady in the Sydney CBD before being restrained with a chair and milk carton.
Strike Force Lalchere was established on August 14, 2019.
After conducting a thorough investigation, NSW Police examine Ney’s residences and confiscate his violent USB.
October 27, 2020: Plea of Guilty
Ney enters a guilty plea to intentional wounding and murder.
14 May 2021 — 44-Year Sentence
Ney is given a 33-year non-parole term by the Supreme Court.
Prison Violence Increases in 2021–2023
Ney pours boiling water on another prisoner, burns his cell, and attacks a police officer. Every action results in an extra sentence.
October 2023: Reduced Appeals His sentence is reduced by the court to 40 years without the possibility of release.
Officer Slashed in July 2024
Ney uses a makeshift weapon to assault a prison officer, injuring his chest.
Late 2024 — Gas for Tears Installed in Supermax
Officers employ tear gas after Ney wields a razor-blade shiv and smashes AVL equipment during a hearing.
2025: Announcement of the Bravery Awards
For their bravery, the bystanders who stopped Ney are honoured nationally.
The earliest release date is 2050.
This is the earliest Ney may be considered for release based on punishment and further jail crimes.
Conclusion
Mert Ney’s tale is still one of Australia’s most disturbing reminders of how easily violence can break out in a routine environment, almost five years after the Sydney CBD massacre. The nation is still affected by his murder of Michaela Dunn, the dread he wreaked on the streets, and the eerie pictures of his capture.
Ney’s behaviour within Supermax has shown that his threat did not stop with his conviction. He continues to be one of the most difficult inmates in the NSW prison system, with over twenty-three violent incidents documented, persistent attacks, destructive behaviour, threats, and the need for tear gas to subdue him.
However, in the midst of the carnage, this narrative also highlights the incredible courage of regular Australians who came forward while others ran away. Their bravery meant that Ney’s rampage stopped swiftly and saved lives. Years later, their acknowledgement serves as a potent reminder that there are people who are prepared to face risk for the sake of others, even in terrifying situations.
The events of 2019 continue to influence public conversations about safety, mental health, emergency response, and community bravery while Ney spends the decades left on his sentence. Even though his closest release date is decades away, his acts, both inside and outside of jail, continue to have a significant influence on Australia.
FAQs
Who is Mert Ney and why is he known in Australia?
Mert Ney is an Australian man responsible for the 2019 Sydney CBD stabbing rampage that resulted in the murder of 24-year-old Michaela Dunn and the wounding of another woman. His violent actions shocked the nation and led to one of the most high-profile criminal cases in recent years.
What happened during the 2019 Sydney CBD stabbing attack?
On 13 August 2019, Mert Ney murdered Michaela Dunn inside a Clarence Street apartment before running through Sydney’s CBD armed with a knife. He attempted to stab multiple people until he was subdued by bystanders using a café chair and a milk crate.
What sentence did Mert Ney receive for the murder?
Ney was originally sentenced to 44 years in prison with a non-parole period of 33 years. After appealing in 2023, his sentence was reduced to 40 years with a 30-year non-parole period. Additional offences in prison have extended his earliest release date to October 2050.
Why is Mert Ney considered dangerous inside prison?
Since entering Goulburn Supermax, Ney has been involved in more than 23 violent incidents. He has assaulted officers, created weapons, set his cell on fire, thrown boiling water at inmates and caused extensive property damage. His behaviour has led prison staff to label him a “problem child”.
What was the tear gas incident involving Mert Ney?
During a 2024 audiovisual court hearing that didn’t go in his favour, Ney climbed onto a desk, destroyed the AVL equipment and brandished a razor-blade shiv. Officers deployed tear gas to subdue him and seized the weapon for forensic testing.
Who were the bystanders who stopped Mert Ney?
A group of civilians — including Jase Shore, Jamie Ingram, firefighters Gonzalo Herrera and Bennett Gardiner, and Mitchell Bennetts — bravely intervened during the rampage. Their actions prevented further injuries, and they received bravery awards in 2025.
What did police find during the investigation?
NSW Police discovered a USB containing violent and extremist-style material, as well as recordings in which Ney described himself as a “psycho”. Despite the content, investigators determined his attack was not ideologically motivated.
What is Mert Ney’s earliest possible release date?
Due to his sentence, appeal outcome and additional prison offences, Mert Ney will not be eligible for parole until October 2050, making his incarceration one of the longest for a non-terrorism case in NSW.
