The family of a supermarket worker who was allegedly stabbed by a teenager on Monday has described her survival as nothing short of a “miracle”.
Relatives of Claudia Campermayor Watt expressed their gratitude, telling 7News that despite enduring a life-threatening injury, she is now recovering well.
“It’s truly a miracle she made it through such a horrific ordeal,” the family shared.
“There’s no doubt in our minds that God was watching over her.”
The incident has drawn attention to the troubled past of the teenage boy accused of the attack. Reports reveal that the 13-year-old, who faces charges of attempted murder, was living in a care home and had complex needs requiring specialised support.
This shocking event has also prompted Coles to pull all knives from shelves in stores across Australia. Authorities allege the boy grabbed a knife from the Coles store at Yamanto Central Shopping Centre before using it to stab Ms Campermayor Watt, a 63-year-old mother-of-two, while she was stocking shelves.
Ms Campermayor Watt remains in Princess Alexandra Hospital, where her condition has stabilised after the attack.
The boy, who lived in a care home in Ripley and was supported by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), is believed to have walked along the Cunningham Highway before arriving at the shopping centre. Witnesses say the boy was chased down by members of the public and security staff after the stabbing. He appeared in Ipswich Children’s Court on Tuesday and did not apply for bail.
Detective Inspector Michael Manago stated that the attack appears to have been random and that the boy acted alone.
The extent of Ms Campermayor Watt’s injuries was severe, with the knife penetrating through her back and exiting the front of her abdomen.
In response to the incident, Coles has temporarily removed knives from its shelves nationwide. A spokesperson for the supermarket giant emphasised their commitment to safety, saying, “Coles complies with all relevant legislation concerning the sale of kitchen knives. This precautionary measure reflects our ongoing commitment to prioritising the safety of both our team members and customers.”
This decision has reignited the debate around knife safety in retail environments. While Coles has taken swift action, rival supermarket Woolworths has confirmed it will not follow suit, citing the secure packaging of its knives as a mitigating factor.
The boy’s arrest was assisted by Ipswich resident Lee McCann, who recounted his role in the aftermath.
“I heard a scream and saw the boy running,” McCann told 9News. “I followed him and eventually found him sitting at a self-checkout in Kmart. He seemed calm, which was quite shocking given the situation.”
Mr McCann escorted the boy back to Coles, where he witnessed the aftermath of the stabbing. He described Ms Campermayor Watt lying on the ground with the knife still lodged in her back, fading in and out of consciousness.
This incident has also brought renewed scrutiny to Queensland’s knife laws. In September 2022, legislation was introduced requiring retailers to store certain knives securely. However, this does not apply to all types of knives, with daggers and machetes subject to stricter rules than kitchen knives.
Brett Beasley, whose son Jack was fatally stabbed on the Gold Coast in 2019, has long advocated for stricter measures.
“As far as I’m concerned, a knife is a knife – whether it’s a steak knife or something larger, it can still take a life,” Mr Beasley argued.
He called for all knives to be stored securely, pointing out the inconsistency with other restricted items like cigarettes.
The Shopping Centre Council of Australia has voiced support for further action to tackle knife-related crimes in retail settings. Chief Executive Angus Nardi highlighted the growing concern, stating, “The rising prevalence of violent crimes involving weapons demands an urgent and collaborative response. The safety of staff, shoppers, and the wider community must remain our top priority.”
Police continue to appeal for information from anyone who may have seen the boy walking along the Cunningham Highway between Ripley and Yamanto on the day of the attack.
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