Sheldon Rodrigues, 30, allegedly used secret surveillance devices to spy on his housemate, Stephanie Hansen, before fatally attacking her, the court heard. Obsessed with Hansen, he sought to disrupt her relationships and bugged their shared home, eavesdropping for hours before the attack. Rodrigues, angry about Hansen’s new boyfriend, allegedly stabbed and bludgeoned her after her partner left the house.
The court revealed Rodrigues’ obsession through messages and actions, indicating his refusal to accept rejection. He’d allegedly monitored Hansen extensively using hidden devices, even sending threatening emails to their workplace. His fixation grew as Hansen entered a relationship with Celcso Cabillan, whom Rodrigues allegedly trailed and harassed.
The night of the incident, he listened in while at work, exhibiting erratic behaviour and searching for more surveillance equipment. After Cabillan left, Rodrigues allegedly attacked Hansen, subsequently fabricating a defence by pretending to search for her when he had been present in the house with her deceased body. Evidence suggests a violent assault, with knife wounds and blunt force injuries.
Rodrigues denies murder, despite substantial evidence indicating his involvement. The trial continues as the court delves into the chilling details of this tragic case.
This case emphasizes the growing necessity for Technical Surveillance Countermeasures (TSCM). It highlights the escalating risk posed by covert surveillance devices and the urgent need for specialists to detect and neutralize such threats. The incident underscores the vital role of TSCM in safeguarding against invasive spying technology, emphasizing the need for robust protocols and regular sweeps to prevent privacy breaches and potential dangers.