Coles Stabbing Victim Moved Out of ICU, Still Recovering

People walk past a Coles supermarket in Melbourne's central business district (CBD) in Australia on Nov. 27, 2024. William West/AFP via Getty Images

Claudia Campomaya Watt, the 63-year-old victim of a stabbing incident involving a 13-year-old in a Coles in Ipswich, Queensland is now on the road to recovery after being shifted from the ICU.

Watt’s family published a statement on Jan. 16, thanking first responders for their support.

Campomaya Watt is now off sedation and out of the intensive care unit.

“We remain in shock but are thankful that Claudia is now on the road to recovery,” the family said.

“To the first responders who provided crucial medical attention, we thank you. To the doctors, nurses, and their team, we are extremely grateful.

“We would also like to acknowledge those who acted quickly to help detain the offender.”

Witnesses say Campomaya Watt was left drifting in and out of consciousness during her ordeal, where the weapon was left in her back after her 13-year-old attacker fled.

In a 9News interview, one of the men who chased the teen down at the Yamanto shopping complex described how he found him sitting at the Kmart self-service check-outs, before walking him back to Coles.

“He was fairly calm, a bit nonchalant, which was a bit disturbing,” Lee McCann said.

“While we were walking he asked me if he was in trouble.”

Laws to be Updated

The attack has spurred Queensland LNP Premier David Crisafulli to vow to plug an apparent gap in recently introduced “adult crime, adult time” laws that expand sentences for several violent crimes.

They currently cover murder, grievous bodily harm, serious wounding, but do not cover attempted murder, which is what the alleged Yamanto offender is being charged with.

It is understood more offences could be added to the list.

Australian Lawyers Alliance criminal justice spokesperson Greg Barns was critical of the move.

“Let’s say there’s a spate of alleged shoplifting (offences), are you going to add those as well?

“It’s fundamentally a political exercise and a very dangerous one.”

In a response to the attack, Coles Supermarkets announced it would no longer sell kitchen knives, but would continue a current promotion for Smeg kitchen knives..

The youth, who is in custody, had his case mentioned in Ipswich Magistrates Court this week. The case is currently adjourned until Jan. 25 so that police can prepare a brief of evidence.