Celebrity Dentist Half-Buried in Garden After Assault, Released on Bail Before Deadly Attack on Two Women!
Bizarre Police Bodycam Footage Shows Celebrity Dentist Steven Lin Half-Buried in Underwear During Drug-Fueled Rampage – Just Months Before He Was Shot Dead by Officers in Sydney Attack
A chilling new video has emerged showing celebrity dentist Dr Steven Lin, stripped to his underwear, half-buried in a suburban backyard as he attempted to hide from police after a violent assault — just 10 months before he was fatally shot by officers during another frenzied attack in Sydney. The footage, released by authorities, captures the bizarre moment Lin was discovered camouflaged with sticks and vegetation, offering a disturbing glimpse into his spiraling drug addiction that ultimately led to his death.
Dr Lin, 41, a once-prominent figure known for his bestselling book ‘The Dental Diet’ and appearances on American television, had built a successful career with practices on the NSW Central Coast. However, behind the public success, his life unraveled due to severe methamphetamine addiction, which friends say intensified after the breakdown of his marriage. The father of six had a history of stalking, assault, choking, and breaching apprehended violence orders, painting a picture of a man whose fame and personal struggles collided in tragedy.
The Wollongong incident in May 2025 began when homeowner Nick Skarvelis spotted Lin emerging from bushes across the road. When Skarvelis approached to check on him, Lin reportedly threatened to kill him before striking him with a metal pole. The attack left Skarvelis with multiple fractures, including a fractured scapula, five broken ribs, a broken pinky finger, toe, and cheekbone. Lin then fled into bushes, where police later found him partially buried in a backyard, denying the assault and claiming he was simply out for a run.
Skarvelis described the bodycam footage as surreal, comparing the scene to something from a movie. Lin was charged with assault but released on bail, a decision that has since drawn sharp criticism from his later victims. Just 10 months later, in March 2026, Lin’s behavior escalated dramatically in Potts Point, east Sydney. He attacked two women, Chloe Paul and her neighbor Christine Campeau, with a knife before barricading himself in a unit. Police attempted to use a Taser before an officer fired a fatal shot when Lin lunged at them. He could not be revived at the scene.
Both women have spoken out, expressing relief that Lin is no longer a threat but questioning why he was granted bail after the earlier serious assault. “I’m glad he’s not still out there because there’d be more victims, for sure,” Paul said. The cases highlight ongoing debates about bail laws and mental health support for individuals with severe addiction and violent histories. Lin’s ex-wife and others close to him described threats and erratic behavior that escalated over time.
Lin’s fall from grace is particularly poignant given his professional achievements. He authored a global bestseller promoting dental health and nutrition for overall wellness, delivered TED talks, and built a thriving practice. Friends believe the pressure of fame, combined with personal turmoil including affairs and separation, fueled his descent into meth use. The once-respected dentist’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive power of addiction.
The release of the bodycam footage has reignited public discussion about police interactions with mentally distressed individuals and the challenges of predicting violent escalations. As investigations continue into both incidents, the focus remains on preventing similar tragedies through better intervention and support systems. Lin’s case underscores the complex intersection of mental health, substance abuse, and public safety.
