The tragic case of Angela Silk, who was killed by her boyfriend Alexander George O’Sachy in September 2021, has brought attention to the dangers of domestic violence. Silk, who also went by Angela Goodwin, was stabbed during a violent confrontation in her home in Upper Mount Gravatt, Brisbane. O’Sachy has since pleaded guilty to manslaughter and is scheduled for sentencing on October 7.
In the weeks leading up to her death, Silk shared her concerns on social media, revealing a haunting message in which she questioned whether she needed to know more about O’Sachy. The post was made on a Facebook page dedicated to monitoring O’Sachy’s movements following the death of Leanne Thompson, a 15-year-old who had been in a relationship with him. Thompson took her own life in 2006, and O’Sachy was later implicated in her abusive relationship.
Silk’s last post, which has since been deleted, expressed confusion and a desire for help. A day before her death, others on the Facebook page began to express concern for her safety as news of O’Sachy’s charges circulated. One user noted the chilling connection between Silk’s post and her tragic fate, stating, “Pretty sure she’s the lady that was found deceased in his home last night.”
O’Sachy’s history is troubling. He has been linked to the deaths of multiple individuals, including Andrew Anderson, a teenager who died by suicide in 2005 after spending time with O’Sachy. A coronial investigation concluded that O’Sachy had withheld information during inquiries into Anderson’s death. Additionally, O’Sachy’s girlfriend, Lauren Howarth, died from a drug overdose in 2011, although there was no direct evidence of his involvement.
In court, Crown prosecutor Dejana Kovac outlined O’Sachy’s extensive criminal history, which includes over 50 offenses, such as unlawful wounding and drug trafficking. The prosecutor noted that Silk had confided in friends about the physical violence she experienced at the hands of O’Sachy, who had reportedly struck her with a baseball bat. Neighbors reported hearing screams on the night of Silk’s death, followed by her desperate cry, “get away from me.”
When help finally arrived, paramedics discovered Silk in critical condition with a severe stab wound to her thigh. The injury had nearly severed a major artery, resulting in significant blood loss. Evidence presented in court indicated that O’Sachy attempted to clean up the scene and misled authorities about Silk’s history, claiming she had a tendency toward self-harm.
As the case unfolds, the impact on Silk’s family is profound. Her children have lost their mother, leaving them without the guidance and support she provided. The upcoming sentencing of O’Sachy will not bring back Silk, but it hopes to provide some measure of justice for her family.
Domestic violence remains a critical issue, and cases like that of Angela Silk highlight the urgent need for awareness and intervention. For those in need, numerous domestic violence helplines are available to offer support. As the legal proceedings continue, the focus must remain on preventing further tragedies and ensuring that victims receive the help they desperately need.
