Valentina Spivak, 90, was allegedly stabbed to death inside her Bondi Beach unit, with neighbours remembering her as a quiet, gentle woman who listened to Russian opera. Her 47-year-old grandson, Sergei Mitnik, has been charged with domestic violence-related murder, making the case another serious incident involving alleged violence against an older woman in New South Wales.

Police allegedly found Spivak with multiple wounds to her torso and throat after Mitnik called emergency services and requested help removing a body. Court documents allege he strangled and stabbed her 19 times; his lawyer said he had mental health problems and believed Ozempic had affected him. Bail was refused, and the judge recommended psychiatric assessment and appropriate treatment.