THIS is the terrifying moment a woman is stabbed in the neck while shopping and left fighting for her life.
Setefano Mooniai Leaaetoa, 25, allegedly killed a 38-year-old man and injured two others during the “random” knife rampage in Sydney.
The suspect has been charged following the stabbing attack on a bustling street in Merrylands at about 10am local time on Tuesday.
Two critically injured victims including the 47-year-old woman – captured on the shocking CCTV footage – and a 21-year-old man were rushed to hospital.
They remain in critical but stable condition according to local media.
Cops say the alleged attacker fled on foot following the knifing rampage.
Chilling footage from inside the mini mart shows the suspect, wearing a white shirt and bucket hat, walking down the shop aisle while brandishing a huge knife.
An unsuspecting woman, wearing a yellow top, is seen standing at the checkout moments before the alleged assault.
The man approaches her, before allegedly stabbing the woman in the neck.
She then stumbles behind the counter where an employee stood watching in horror.
The alleged knifeman then leaves the shop seconds after the stabbing in a disturbingly calm manner.
The staff member rushes to help the woman before the pair staggers out of the store.
The alleged attacker was found in the backyard of a home on Smythe Street by cops about 40 minutes after the alleged stabbing.
Leaaetoa was arrested and charged with murder and two counts of cause wounding or grievous bodily harm to person with intent to murder.
He was refused bail.
Leaaetoa is due to appear before Parramatta Local Court on Wednesday.
Authorities confirmed the alleged knifeman escaped from a care home while being transferred between hospitals on February 7.
They said: “The District is aware a person alleged to be involved in the incident is a recent patient of Cumberland Hospital, which provides acute inpatient care for people with complex mental health needs.
“A formal review into the person’s care and treatment will be undertaken, which will include an external senior psychiatrist.”
Superintendent Simon Glasser said the stabbing was likely a “random attack”.
“The alleged offender is known to police for petty crime and a number of mental health incidents,” he said.
“It’s very early in the investigation.
“Police are unaware at this point what the motive was … it appears it was a random attack.”