True Crime with Kendall Rae: Summary of "Stalking Obsession Turns Fatal After Govt. Fails To Protect Her: The Case of Celeste Manno"

Podcast Information:

• Title: True Crime with Kendall Rae
• Host/Author: Mile Higher Media & Audioboom Studios
• Episode: Stalking Obsession Turns Fatal After Govt. Fails To Protect Her: The Case of Celeste Manno
• Release Date: December 5, 2024

1. Introduction to the Case

In this heart-wrenching episode, Kendall Rae delves deep into the tragic story of Celeste Mano, a young Australian woman whose life was brutally taken by a stalker named Luay Sako. Kendall emphasizes the systemic failures that not only led to Celeste's murder but also hindered her family's pursuit of justice.

Kendall Ray [02:21]: "This case absolutely needs to be talked about more... These failures that led up to Celeste's murder absolutely could have prevented this from happening."

2. Who Was Celeste Mano?

Celeste Mano, born on November 22, 1996, was described as the embodiment of light and love. From a young age, Celeste was known for her kindness, inclusivity, and strong desire to make a difference in others' lives. She aspired to become a psychologist and was deeply committed to helping others.

• Family Background:
  • Parents: Aggie and Tony Mano
  • Siblings: Brother Alessandro and older half-brother Jaden

Celeste was studying criminology and psychology at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology and worked at a call center for Circo Group for two and a half years.

3. The Onset of Stalking and Harassment

In June 2019, Luay Sako was fired from Circo Group due to performance issues. As the team leader, Celeste was responsible for escorting him out of the building. This brief interaction marked the beginning of a terrifying ordeal.

• Initial Contact:
  • Luay's Behavior: After being fired, Luay approached Celeste, gave her an unwanted kiss on the cheek, and began sending her alarming messages on Instagram.

Kendall Ray [12:45]: "He sent 140 Instagram DMs... professing his undying love for her and obsession with her."

Despite Celeste's polite rejections and attempts to set boundaries, Luay's harassment intensified, leaving Celeste and her family in constant fear.

4. Reporting to the Police: A Systemic Failure

In December 2019, following escalating threats and offenses, Celeste and Aggie went to the MDA police station to report Luay's stalking behavior. Shockingly, the response was dismissive.

Kendall Ray [19:30]: "They were told that since no crime was committed, nothing could be done."

The police advised them to ignore Luay, a recommendation that proved disastrously ineffective. Over the next six months, Luay's stalking became more aggressive, leading to workplace measures like escorting Celeste to her car.

5. Legal Actions and Temporary Safety

By July 2020, the situation had become unbearable. Celeste and Aggie sought a Personal Safety Intervention Order (PSIO) from the Heidelberg Magistrates Court, which was briefly effective. However, Luay breached the order multiple times, escalating the threat further.

Aggie Mano [25:29]: "Celeste, the ball is in your court. Only you can end this now."
— Sent by Luay, illustrating his disregard for boundaries

Despite breaking the PSIO, Luay's actions continued unchecked until his tragic intent culminated in Celeste's murder on November 16, 2020.

6. The Murder of Celeste Mano

On the night of November 15, 2020, Celeste posted a photo with her new boyfriend, Chris. Unbeknownst to her, this act triggered Luay's deadly obsession. Hours later, at approximately 3:50 AM, Luay attacked Celeste in her home, stabbing her 23 times. The entire ordeal lasted less than three minutes, as evidenced by neighbor CCTV footage.

• Witness Testimonies:
  • Tony Mano [34:40]: "It was like a million pieces of glass just crashing... I didn't want to drop her on all that."

Luay immediately turned himself in, expressing regret and claiming voices in his head compelled him to commit the murder.

7. Legal Proceedings and the Quest for Justice

Luay Sako's defense centered on mental impairment, claiming psychosis influenced his actions. Despite multiple psychiatric evaluations, most professionals doubted his claims, stating he was feigning symptoms.

• Prosecution's Stance:
  The prosecution argued that Luay meticulously planned the murder and posed a high risk of reoffending, advocating for a life sentence.

• Defense's Argument:
  Emphasized Luay's mental health issues to seek a lighter sentence.

8. The Trial and Sentence

Originally set for May 2023, the trial faced multiple delays due to Luay's apparent instability and changes in legal representation. In January 2024, the hearing concluded with Judge Jane Dixon sentencing Luay to 36 years in prison with parole eligibility after 30 years.

Kendall Ray [52:08]: "Her daughter's killer, Luay Sako, sentenced to 36 years behind bars. I consider that your offending does not warrant life imprisonment, although it does warrant a very stern sentence."

The family and supporters were devastated, feeling that the sentence was insufficient given the severity and premeditation of the crime.

9. Aftermath and Ongoing Struggle for Justice

Celeste's family continues to grapple with their loss and the inadequate legal response. Aggie Mano leads a relentless campaign for systemic change, advocating for:

• Stricter Laws:
  Mandatory life sentences for all murders to prevent recidivism.

• Enhanced Protections:
  Implementing measures like ankle bracelets for those under PSIO to alert families and authorities of potential threats.

• Victim Support:
  Improving legal aid and support systems for victims of stalking and harassment.

Despite a comprehensive report by the Victorian Law Reform Commission with 46 recommendations, little to no action has been taken to implement these changes, leaving Celeste's family and other victims without necessary protections.

10. The Family's Call to Action

Kendall Rae passionately urges listeners to support the Mano family's fight for justice by:

• Sign Petitions:
  Support the "Justice for Celeste" petition on Change.org.

• Contact Authorities:
  Email Victoria's Attorney General, Jacqueline Symes, demanding the implementation of recommended legal reforms.

• Attend Rallies:
  Join or support rallies organized in Melbourne advocating for stricter violence prevention laws.

Kendall Ray [52:33]: "Action needs to be taken and it needs to happen now. For Celeste's sake and the future safety of other people, we need to."

11. Conclusion

The tragic case of Celeste Mano underscores significant gaps in the protection systems for stalking victims. Despite Celeste's family's unwavering determination, systemic inertia has hindered meaningful change. Kendall Rae effectively highlights the need for urgent reforms to prevent such heartbreaking losses in the future.

Key Takeaways:

• Systemic Failure:
  Inadequate police response and legal protections allowed Luay's obsession to escalate unchecked.

• Family's Resilience:
  Aggie Mano's relentless pursuit of justice serves as a beacon for other victims seeking change.

• Call for Reform:
  The episode emphasizes the urgent need for stronger laws and better support systems for victims of stalking and harassment.

Notable Quotes with Attribution and Timestamps

• Kendall Ray [02:21]:
  "This case absolutely needs to be talked about more... These failures that led up to Celeste's murder absolutely could have prevented this from happening."

• Aggie Mano [25:29]:
  "Celeste, the ball is in your court. Only you can end this now."

• Tony Mano [34:40]:
  "It was like a million pieces of glass just crashing... I didn't want to drop her on all that."

• Kendall Ray [52:08]:
  "Her daughter's killer, Luay Sako, sentenced to 36 years behind bars. I consider that your offending does not warrant life imprisonment, although it does warrant a very stern sentence."

• Kendall Ray [52:33]:
  "Action needs to be taken and it needs to happen now. For Celeste's sake and the future safety of other people, we need to."

Supporting Resources

• Higher Hope Foundation:
  higherhope.org – Support victims of violent crime.

• Justice for Celeste Petition:
  Change.org Petition Link – Sign to demand justice and systemic change.

• Victorian Law Reform Commission Report:
  Link to Report – Comprehensive recommendations to address legal system gaps.

• Support and Follow the Family's Efforts:

  • Facebook Page: Link
  • Petition on Change.org: Link

Final Thoughts

Celeste Mano's story is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the critical need for robust protections against stalking and harassment. Kendall Rae's detailed exploration not only honors Celeste's memory but also galvanizes listeners to advocate for meaningful change, ensuring that no other family has to endure similar heartbreak due to systemic failures.