A woman who beheaded her mother after an argument over a food order has sent a chilling message to her prison mates. On the night of July 20, 2019, Jessica Camilleri clashed with her mother, Rita Camilleri, who had ordered chicken for dinner but Jessica demanded more food. The situation escalated when Rita tried to take Jessica’s phone away due to her excessive calls to a local butcher, even making threats of violence.
The violent incident unfolded in their quiet western Sydney neighborhood. Jessica recounted to a forensic psychiatrist how the altercation turned deadly as she lost control, ultimately leading to the gruesome act of decapitating her own mother. She attributed some of her actions to inspiration from horror movies like “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” and “Saw.”
Despite the heinous nature of her crime, Jessica, now in Silverwater Maximum Security Correctional Complex, has shown no remorse and has reportedly boasted about the murder to other inmates. Her behavior in prison has been marked by violence, including assaults on both fellow inmates and officers, with recent incidents captured on camera in May 2025.
Scheduled for sentencing on February 17, Jessica faces charges of assault against a fellow inmate and two counts of assaulting prison staff. Despite being convicted of manslaughter instead of murder in 2020 due to mental health issues, her sentence was reduced on appeal. However, her ongoing violent tendencies suggest she may face an extended stay in prison beyond her initial parole eligibility in July 2031.
The brutal details of Jessica’s crime, including cutting out her mother’s tongue and eyes, have shocked even the hardened inmates of Silverwater. When authorities arrived at the scene, Jessica was covered in blood, displaying disturbing behavior and inquiring about the possibility of reviving her mother without a head. Her actions continue to disturb those around her, indicating a dangerous individual within the prison system.