Home Invasion Accused Murdered Octogenarian Relative for Cash
Elderly Couple Attacked in Garage by Relatives Seeking Money
A violent home invasion targeting an elderly couple in western Sydney ended in tragedy when a man, seeking non-existent cash, fatally attacked the husband. The jury heard the intruder repeatedly demanded money before striking the octogenarian couple in their garage.
Brutal Attack Unfolds
The court was told that on April 28, 2020, masked assailants entered the Cherrybrook home of Kalim Saliba and his wife, Shahidy Saliba, both in their 80s. While Mrs. Saliba was watching television, her husband was asleep in the lounge room. Their peaceful night was shattered when the intruders broke into the property.
Minutes later, the couple was assaulted in their garage. The attacker, demanding to know “Where is the money?”, struck both individuals. Kalim Saliba died later in hospital from his injuries, while Shahidy Saliba lost consciousness.
Family Ties and Financial Motive
Tony Phillip Tadrosse, 60, and Danny Stephen, 35, have pleaded not guilty to murder and assault charges. Stephen is a great-nephew of the victims, and Tadrosse is an extended relative.
Crown Prosecutor Eric Balodis outlined the case, suggesting a possible second person was in the upstairs of the house, with a third potentially in a car outside. He told the jury that while Tadrosse or Stephen were not directly identified inside the home, a strong circumstantial case places them there.
The motive, Balodis stated, was financial. He highlighted that Tadrosse had inquired about expensive dental implants the day before the home invasion, despite reportedly having no money in his bank account. It was common knowledge within the extended family that the couple were frugal and kept cash at home, rather than in a bank.
Reconnaissance and Coordinated Action
The prosecution’s case hinges on CCTV footage showing a Hilux and an Audi conducting “reconnaissance” of the Saliba residence in the hours before the attack. Both Tadrosse and Stephen had access to these vehicles.
Furthermore, call records between phone numbers allegedly belonging to the accused coincided with the timing of the events. After returning home, Tadrosse reportedly attempted to establish an alibi by calling the coronavirus hotline, claiming he had woken up in a cold sweat.
In Australia, the median sentence for murder, according to the Australian Bureau of Justice Statistics, is approximately 11 years imprisonment. However, this can vary significantly based on the specific circumstances of the crime and the jurisdiction (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2022-23).
Defence Denials
Defence barristers for both accused have rejected the allegations. Danny Stephen‘s barrister, Karl Prince, stated that his client did not murder Kalim Saliba or injure his wife. Tadrosse‘s barrister, Madeleine Avenell SC, acknowledged the tragic nature of the home invasion but maintained her client’s denial of involvement.
The jury has been informed that alternative charges of manslaughter and assault with intent to rob can be considered if the murder charges are not proven.
The trial is set to continue.
