Wealthy art collector's son stabs housekeeper after claiming she was a demon

In February 2024, the son of a wealthy art dealer, Bourne, was involved in a brutal attack on his family's housekeeper at their multimillion-pound home in Chelsea, London. The incident occurred while his mother was abroad, leaving Bourne and the housekeeper, Ms Nascimento, alone in the house. For about three months prior, there were concerns about Bourne's mental health, as Ms Nascimento noted that he had exhibited erratic behaviors, such as sleeping on the bathroom floor and talking to himself. On the evening of February 25, Bourne allegedly attacked Ms Nascimento with a knife, claiming she was evil and a demon during the assault. She managed to escape and lock herself in a bathroom while he continued to demand she open the door. Desperately, she contacted a friend, stating she was dying from her injuries. Following the attack, Bourne called 999, informing the operator about the situation and admitting to stabbing a “demon woman.” This incident raised concerns about Bourne's mental state, leading to a ruling of unfitness for trial, meaning that a jury would assess whether he committed the act in question rather than determine guilt or innocence. The trial took place at Southwark Crown Court, highlighting the significant legal and medical considerations surrounding Bourne’s actions and state of mind. The case sparked debate about mental health care and the accountability of individuals suffering from severe mental health issues during violent incidents, making it a critical issue in legal and public health discussions.