Sydney, Australia – A mother of three underwent surgery Wednesday after being attacked in her Potts Point home by Dr. Steven Lin, a celebrity dentist who was later fatally shot by police. The incident unfolded Tuesday morning when Lin allegedly broke into the apartment of photographer Chloe Paul, demanding money, according to reports.
Paul, a mother of three, was working from home when Lin allegedly pinned her to the ground and began to assault her. Her family stated that Paul’s background in boxing allowed her to break free and call for help. Police responded to the scene and confronted Lin, who reportedly lunged at officers with a knife, leading to the deployment of a taser and, a single gunshot.
Dr. Lin, 41, was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident is under investigation, but authorities have confirmed that Paul and Lin did not know each other, according to 9News.
Chloe Paul underwent surgery for a broken nose following the attack and is recovering. Lin also allegedly assaulted a neighbor in the apartment building’s communal laundry room before police arrived.
From Dental Diet to Deadly Confrontation
Dr. Steven Lin gained prominence as the author of “The Dental Diet,” a book advocating for a holistic approach to dental health through nutrition. He once owned two successful dental practices on the NSW Central Coast and amassed a significant following on social media, with over 250,000 Instagram followers, according to The Daily Mail. His website described him as a “passionate preventive, whole health-advocate” who believed that dietary principles were key to preventing dental disease.
However, Lin’s life had reportedly taken a downward turn in recent years. Reports indicate he struggled with ice addiction following the breakdown of his marriage and the discovery that he had fathered a child in secret. Just days before the fatal incident, Lin appeared in Wollongong Local Court facing charges related to an alleged assault and theft from a sex worker in March 2025. The Daily Mail reports that these charges were dismissed after the complainant failed to appear in court.
Court documents revealed a history of alleged violent behavior, including multiple breaches of bail, assault, choking offenses, and apprehended violence orders, suggesting a pattern of disregard for court-imposed conditions.
Social Media and Recent Court Appearance
Lin’s most recent social media post, shared on February 23, involved a video promoting skepticism towards vaccines, captioned “Just needs to be said.” This post, reported by 9News, offers a glimpse into his mindset leading up to the tragic events.
The incident has left the Potts Point community shaken. Chloe Paul’s family has expressed gratitude for the swift response of law enforcement and is focused on her recovery. Police have stated they do not believe there was any prior connection between Paul and Lin.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Dr. Lin’s death and the events that led to the attack on Chloe Paul and her neighbor. The investigation will likely focus on Lin’s recent behavior, his mental state, and the factors contributing to the escalation of violence. The outcome of the investigation will be crucial in understanding the full scope of this tragic incident.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or needs mental health support, please reach out to the following resources: 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or Lifeline (13 11 14).
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