Francesco ‘Frank’ Dimasi, who was charged with the death of his beloved wife Maria ‘Nonna’ Dimasi but was deemed mentally unfit to stand trial due to his dementia, has died aged 93.
In December 2023, Adelaide’s Italian community was shaken by the death of 85-year-old Nonna Maria, who was found with 76 stab wounds in her Findon home.
Nonna Maria was a beloved figure in the local hospitality scene, volunteering at a community-based meal service called Nonna’s Cucina.
Her daughter, Reverend Carmel Ieraci, called her a caregiver in every sense of the word.
“She touched everyone’s life with love and gentleness, humour, smiles, care and, of course, her nourishing food,” Reverand Ieraci told ABC.
“There are moments of severe grief and trauma but [our family is] — for mum’s sake — continuing forward.”
Monday’s court hearing was scheduled to include a next-of-kin report from family members as the court grappled with the final stages of the crime.
Instead, his lawyer confirmed that Frank had died since the previous hearing occurred in January. Frank was not present then, having been excused because of his deteriorating health.
“I understand your client has passed away,” Justice Sandi McDonald asked.
“He has, Your Honour,” defence lawyer Trish Johnson confirmed.
In 2023, 91-year-old Frank called emergency services after the incident. He was discovered at the scene covered in blood and heavily intoxicated with a blood alcohol level between 0.26% and 0.30%. For comparison, South Australia’s legal blood alcohol level for drivers is 0.05%.
Initially charged with murder, Frank was later diagnosed with severe vascular dementia. He remained under supervision in hospital, initially because of a severe infection and delirium.
He missed another court appearance because he was allegedly unconscious all day. In another, appearance he said he “was sorry that he killed his wife and that she deserved it”.
As Frank’s condition worsened, his lawyers sought palliative care, although it is unclear if he received it before his death.
In January 2025, the South Australian Supreme Court determined he was mentally competent at the time of the offense but unfit to stand trial due to his current cognitive state.
The court heard that he could not accurately state what year it was, believing it to be 1920, and that most of his answers were “unintelligible”.
Consequently, he was found not guilty by reason of mental incompetence and ordered to remain under supervision for the rest of his life.
The Dimasi family expressed relief that the court acknowledged the act was deliberate and not a result of dementia, providing them with some closure.
However, they stated they could not forgive the “evil act” committed by their father.
This case has highlighted the complexities surrounding mental health, ageing, and domestic violence within the legal system.
