A woman who beheaded her mother after a dispute over a food order has made chilling threats to her prisonmates. Jessica Camilleri clashed with her mother, Rita, on the evening of July 20, 2019, when Rita ordered chicken from Red Rooster for dinner but Jessica wanted a second meal as she felt unsatisfied.
The situation escalated when Rita, 57, entered Jessica’s room to take away her phone. Rita, who was a full-time carer, had previously confiscated Jessica’s phone due to her excessive calls to a local butcher owner, including threats of violence.
The events that unfolded shocked the quiet community in western Sydney where Camilleri lived. She recounted to forensic psychiatrist Professor David Greenberg how she attacked her mother in a fit of rage, inspired by violent movies like “Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” “Jeepers Creepers,” and “Saw,” believing that beheading her mother might end her suffering.
Despite her heinous crime, Camilleri shows no remorse and has even bragged about her actions to other prisoners at the Silverwater Maximum Security Correctional Complex. She has exhibited violent behavior towards both inmates and officers, leading to additional charges and a pending court appearance for assault.
Initially charged with manslaughter due to mental health issues, Camilleri received a reduced sentence of 16 years and six months, with the possibility of parole in July 2031. However, her continued violent conduct suggests she may face extended incarceration following her upcoming court hearing.
Camilleri’s gruesome acts, which included mutilating her mother’s body, have shocked even the inmates at Silverwater. In a disturbing call to emergency services, she described the violent events and asked if her mother could be revived without a head, showcasing her detachment from reality.
The disturbing behavior of Jessica Camilleri continues to unsettle those around her, highlighting the ongoing challenges of managing violent offenders within the prison system.