An elderly great grandfather has been charged with murder after allegedly stabbing his wife to death.
Frank Dimasi, 91, was hit with the charge on Monday following the death of his 85-year-old wife Maria in Findon, in Adelaide’s west, late on Saturday night.
Police were called to the home at about 11.20pm following ‘reports of an incident’ and found Maria’s body with multiple stab wounds.
Dimasi, who uses a walking frame and is believed to suffer from a neurological disability, was arrested at the home and taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital under police guard for treatment for non-life-threatening and self-inflicted injuries.
Frank Dimasi was hit with the charge on Monday following the death of his 85-year-old wife Maria (pictured) in Findon, in Adelaide’s west, late Saturday night
Dimasi was described by shocked neighbours as a ‘frail’ man suffering from what appeared to be early onset dementia and would often be seen walking from their home to the corner store and back.
Forensic officers were seen searching the home for evidence on Sunday before a deep-clean van was called to the property.
Mrs Dimasi, better known in Adelaide’s Italian community as ‘Nonna Maria’, was a beloved cook who would always make meals for the vulnerable.
She volunteered her time at her grandson’s kitchen Nonna’s Cucina – a community-based meal service which provides food to those recovering from illness or medical treatment, the elderly and people with disabilities.
Mrs Dimasi is seen alongside celebrity chef Maggie Beer and her grandson Stefan Dimasi
Mrs Dimasi was also regarded as the communities ‘matriarch’ who was known for sharing her Italian recipes and for attending local children’s birthday parties.
Neighbours said she was in ‘good health’ and would often be seen using her mobility scooter along her street.
Mrs Dimasi was also known for being incredibly proud of her family and always doting on her three children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
South n Premier Peter Malinauskas paid tribute to Mrs Dimasi, praising her volunteer work at Nonna’s Cucina.
‘On a personal level, Maria Dimasi was a very significant contributor to our state, particularly in the western suburbs’ Italian community,’ Mr Malinauskas told reporters.
‘Nonna’s Cucina, which will be very well-known to a lot of South ns, did amazing work delivering meals to people that are vulnerable, particularly the elderly.
‘This is a good person who has lost their life in tragic circumstances.’
Mrs Dimasi volunteered her time at her grandson’s (pictured together) kitchen Nonna’s Cucina – a community-based meal service which provides food to those recovering from illness or medical treatment, the elderly and people with disabilities