Celebrity Dentist Shot Dead by Police After Alleged Knife Rampage in Sydney Apartment

A former celebrity dentist and wellness author has been shot dead by police after an alleged knife rampage inside a Sydney apartment building that left two women seriously injured.

Authorities say Dr Steven Lin, 41, was fatally shot by officers on 3 March 2026 in Potts Point after they responded to reports of violent assaults inside the complex. Police allege Lin attacked two women at random before barricading himself inside the St Neot Avenue building at 10:50am while armed with a knife.

Officers first attempted to subdue him using a taser, but when that failed, and Lin allegedly advanced towards police, an officer fired a single shot. The incident has shocked residents in Sydney's eastern suburbs and triggered a formal investigation by New South Wales Police to scrutinise the actions of the responding officers.

The terrifying incident has left the victims, both women who were strangers to the attacker, recovering from serious facial injuries.

Attacks on Two Women Inside Apartment Complex

Police believe the attacks were unprovoked and random. The first victim, wellness therapist Christine Campeau, 56, was seriously injured in the communal laundry room of the building when Lin allegedly stabbed her in the face. She was rushed to the hospital with significant facial injuries.

Campeau has been a yoga instructor at an eastern suburbs fitness centre for over seven years, specialising in breath work and meditation. Her friend Zoe Certa wrote on a GoFundMe set up for Campeau, which has so far raised $34,000 of its $55,000 target, that Campeau has 'spent decades quietly and generously caring for others'.

The second woman, 48-year-old Chloe Paul, a mother of three and celebrity photographer, was attacked after Lin entered her ground‑floor apartment.

Paul, who was working from home, suffered a broken nose and head trauma and was later taken to the hospital for surgery. Paul's friends said her boxing background helped her to fend off the attacker long enough to call the police.

'Those who know Chloe would be aware that she is a keen and able boxer,' they commented.

Friends have set up a separate GoFundMe for Paul, which has already raised nearly $71,000 out of its $91,000 target.

Both victims were reported to be in a stable condition and expected to recover, though local fundraisers have raised tens of thousands of dollars to help with medical bills and lost income as the women begin their long recoveries.

Former Celebrity Dentist and Author

Dr Lin was once a widely recognised figure in Australia's dental and wellness circles. He gained a large social media following and authored the bestselling book The Dental Diet, which advocated nutrition‑based approaches to oral health.

He also operated dental practices on the New South Wales Central Coast, and was known for providing health and wellness advice to his audience of more than 250,000 Instagram followers.

However, in recent years, Lin's professional reputation suffered amid personal and legal troubles. Sources close to the case say he struggled with drug addiction, marital breakdown, and erratic behaviour. News reports detail a history of assault allegations, stalking, choking, and breaches of apprehended violence orders, although some charges were dismissed when key witnesses failed to attend court.

Police Confrontation and Critical Incident Declaration

Police were alerted to the situation after neighbours reported the violent attack in the apartment complex. When officers arrived at the scene, Lin had barricaded himself inside part of the building and was still armed with a knife.

Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna said that officers initially attempted to subdue Lin using a taser, which had no effect. When Lin allegedly lunged at police with the knife, one officer discharged a single round, striking him. Lin was pronounced dead at the scene.

A critical incident investigation has been declared to examine the actions of the officers involved. The review is being overseen by the Professional Standards Command and the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission to ensure the use of lethal force is thoroughly scrutinised.

Community Reaction and Victim Support

The violent attack and fatal shooting have drawn significant attention from Sydney residents and broader Australian communities. Local support has poured in for the victims, with GoFundMe campaigns raising substantial funds to assist with their recovery costs.

Friends and advocates for survivors of violence against women have highlighted the incident as a stark reminder of the dangers women can face, even in their own homes, and have called for increased awareness and preventative measures.

Broader Context and Lingering Questions

While the focus remains on the recent attack and its immediate aftermath, questions persist about how Lin's life and circumstances deteriorated so dramatically. From a successful dental career and public persona to a violent confrontation with police, observers have noted his descent into troubling behaviour.

The investigation continues, with detectives retracing Lin's movements in the hours before the attacks to better understand his state of mind and motivations. Authorities have not released further details about why he entered the apartment block or whether he knew the victims.

As the community grapples with the shock of the events in Potts Point, officials have reaffirmed their commitment to transparency as the investigation progresses and to support for those affected by the violence.