Warning: This article contains details that some readers may find distressing.
In a case that has shaken Western Australia (WA) to its core, Alexander Mark Sutton, now 21, has been sentenced to life in prison for what the judge described as one of the most ‘depraved and monstrous murders’ the state has ever seen.
The details of this crime are confronting, but understanding the facts is important—not only for justice, but for the safety and awareness of our communities.
A chilling plan unfolds
The story begins with Sutton, then just 19, and Patrik Weiss, a 45-year-old Perth father and former West Coast Eagles masseuse.
The two met online through a sex fetish website, where they exchanged messages for months. Eventually, Weiss invited Sutton to his Lockridge home in Perth’s north-east, believing he was engaging in a consensual encounter.
But what Weiss didn’t know was that Sutton had been meticulously planning something far more sinister.
Police later discovered a journal at Sutton’s home, filled with disturbing entries that revealed his intent to torture and kill.
In one entry, Sutton wrote, ‘I am going to kill him to see the blood.’ Another read, ‘He will be a guinea pig. Maybe I will eat part of him to see if I like it.’
Sutton even posted on social media, ‘I’m going to kill someone in three weeks… he’s putting himself in such a vulnerable position. It’s like Christmas morning and a present has been put in front of me.’
The crime
On the night of the murder, Weiss had bound, gagged, and blindfolded himself in preparation for what he thought was a consensual act.
When Sutton arrived, he struck Weiss twice in the head with an axe, fracturing his skull and ending his life in a brutal and premeditated attack.
The aftermath and sentencing
The crime scene and Sutton’s journal entries painted a picture of calculated evil. During the sentencing, Sutton’s own lawyer described the crime as ‘the stuff of horror movies’ and ‘as close to an example of evil as one can imagine’.
She acknowledged that Sutton had spent months planning and entrapping Weiss, with the intention of carrying out ‘the most perverted acts’.
The impact on Weiss’s family has been devastating. In court, his former partner wept as she read victim impact statements from their children.
Weiss’s daughter expressed her confusion and pain, saying she couldn’t understand how someone could do something so awful.
His son spoke of the deep hurt and lasting change the crime had inflicted on their family.
Sutton was handed a life sentence, with a minimum of 20 years before he will be eligible for parole. The judge’s words were clear: this was a crime that demanded the harshest penalty available.
A community in shock
Crimes of this nature are rare, but they send shockwaves through the community. For many, the details are almost too much to comprehend.
The case has prompted conversations about online safety, the risks of meeting strangers, and the importance of vigilance—even in situations that seem consensual and safe.
What can we learn?
While this case is extreme, it serves as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers that can lurk online.
For those in our community—especially older Australians who may be exploring new relationships or connections online—it’s crucial to take precautions:
- Always let someone you trust know where you’re going and who you’re meeting.
- Arrange first meetings in public places.
- Trust your instincts—if something feels off, don’t proceed.
- Consider using safety apps or check-in systems with friends or family.
Support for victims and families
If you or someone you know has been affected by violent crime, there are support services available. Lifeline (13 11 14) and Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) offer confidential support and counselling. Victims of Crime Helpline (1800 819 817) can also provide assistance.
Your thoughts
This case has left many in WA and across Australia reeling. How do you feel about the sentence handed down? Do you think enough is being done to keep people safe online?
Have you or someone you know had a close call with online encounters? We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below—your voice matters, and your story could help others stay safe.
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