Kye Schaefer update: Surfer stabbed to death as he arrived at the beach was allegedly knifed in ‘robbery gone wrong’ – as homeless man is charged with murder

A young surfer who was stabbed as he prepared to enter the water in a ‘senseless’ act of violence could have been the victim of a botched robbery.

Kye Schaefer was stabbed multiple times after arriving at a beach in Coffs Harbor on the NSW Mid North Coast on May 2.

The injured 21-year-old was found in a parking lot and died after being rushed to hospital.

More than a month later, a 36-year-old man was arrested Tuesday at a local jail and charged with Mr. Schaefer’s murder.

Matthew Willacy was refused bail when his case came before Coffs Harbor Local Court.

He will appear again in the same court on August 13.

Homicide Commander Danny Doherty said Willacy was known to police and led a rough life.

Kye Schaefer, 21, was reportedly stabbed in the neck and chest after leaving the surf at Park Beach on Ocean Parade in Coffs Harbor at around 6.40am on May 2.

Kye was surfing at Park Beach, Coffs Harbor (pictured) when he was allegedly attacked in what police believe was a random and unprovoked attack

He confirmed that Willacy had been charged in connection with an unrelated robbery around the same time, not far from where Mr Schaefer was attacked.

The 36-year-old is also said to have slept poorly and has been in custody since May 2.

Chief Inspector Doherty told reporters that the attack on Mr Schaefer was “an unjust, senseless act of violence”.

“It may have been a botched robbery, but it was unprovoked and violent,” he later told Sydney Radio 2GB.

“He went to the surf with his wetsuit and put it on, and whatever happened between this 36-year-old man’s interaction with Kye, it led to him being stabbed multiple times.

“He couldn’t do what he loved and unfortunately his life was taken.”

NSW Police have appealed for help finding the knife used in the attack, as well as a bicycle his alleged killer was riding at the time.

Det Supt Doherty said police had a strong circumstantial case to prosecute a murder charge based on CCTV footage, witness statements and forensic evidence.

Mr Schaefer’s parents had previously appealed to whoever was responsible for the stabbing to come forward and ‘admit your mistakes’.

The victim is described as a keen athlete and experienced footballer who would be greatly missed by his friends and family.

“They are clearly still sad and their hearts are torn,” Det Supt Doherty added.

The arrest comes less than three weeks after Pam and Tony Schaefer stood before the cameras and made an emotional plea for their son’s attacker to come forward.

“When you think about something at all, you may not think it’s important, but it can still be something that makes a difference,” Ms. Schaefer said.

The grief-stricken mother said their son’s death had brought them a “sheer loss of our faith in humanity.”

‘The love and support [from] our family and friends have been absolutely phenomenal, that’s what has kept us out of this black hole,” she said.

Kye’s father added that the local community had been ‘so supportive’.

“We sincerely thank everyone for the help and assistance we have received during these difficult times,” he said.

‘Just be honest and admit your mistakes in life… everyone makes them.’

Pam and Tony Schaefer (pictured) urged their son’s attacker to come forward last month

Police previously said they believed the attack was random and unprovoked.

Kye was treated at the scene and taken to Coffs Harbor Base Hospital, but died of serious neck and chest wounds shortly after arrival.

a GoFundMe page was started to help his family pay for funeral expenses and “help them cope with this terrible tragedy.”

The fundraiser described Kye as a caring person who “lived life to the fullest.”

The young surfer was also on the representative football team for the region.

Last month, police said they were looking for a man on a bicycle who was in the area at the time and might be able to help them with their investigation.