Valdo Calocane's Brother Feared Killer Would Take His Own Life, Nottingham Inquiry Hears

Elias Calocane, the younger brother of Nottingham attacks killer Valdo Calocane, has stated at a public inquiry that he feared his brother was contemplating suicide. Valdo Calocane, diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in 2020, murdered Barnaby Webber, Grace O'Malley-Kumar, and Ian Coates in Nottingham on 13 June 2023, and seriously injured three others.

Elias testified on Wednesday that he interpreted messages from Valdo in 2020, which included violent thoughts and the phrase "red rum", as indicating self-harm. He described feeling "powerless" regarding his brother's mental health struggles, which began during Valdo's time at the University of Nottingham.

Concerns and Missed Information

Following Valdo's initial admission to a psychiatric ward in May 2020, Elias compiled a document detailing interactions with his brother dating back to 2017. This document, intended to assist doctors, contained messages where Valdo spoke of hearing voices and a desire to "harm, permanently." Elias maintained he believed this referred to self-harm. The inquiry heard that mental health professionals never contacted Elias about this crucial document, which he felt was "lost in the ether."

Elias informed the inquiry that he had only seen his brother twice between January 2020 and June 2023. He admitted to struggling with their relationship, attempting to reason with Valdo's delusions but ultimately withdrawing. He recounted the emotional toll, stating he had processed a "loss ahead of time" and experienced a "sense of hopelessness." Crucially, Elias stated he only learnt of Valdo's paranoid schizophrenia diagnosis in October 2023, four months after the killings, a revelation that prompted visible disagreement from the bereaved families in the hearing room.

Tense Exchange and Attack Morning Call

During questioning, Tim Moloney KC, representing the bereaved families, pressed Elias on why he did not visit his brother, leading to a tense exchange. Elias responded, "I understand that you have instructions to essentially bully me and my family, but I do find this interaction a little bit strange." Emma Webber, mother of Barnaby Webber, audibly scoffed as Moloney concluded his questioning.

The inquiry was told Valdo Calocane telephoned Elias on the evening of 12 June 2023, and again at 04:52 BST on the morning of 13 June. By the time of the second call, Valdo had already killed Barnaby Webber and Grace O'Malley-Kumar. Elias recounted asking his brother, "are you going to do something stupid?" thinking of suicide. Valdo replied, "it's already done."

Elias then checked social media, seeing Nottingham "trending" with reports of a potential terrorist incident. He connected this to his brother's known address on Ilkeston Road, realising the gravity of the situation. Sophie Cartwright KC, representing the attack survivors, suggested Elias should have dialled 999 after that morning call. The inquiry is ongoing.