Popular rugby league player killed in stabbing attack in Marrickville outside Guzman y Gomez
A popular rugby player has been identified as the man killed in a stabbing outside a fast food restaurant in Sydney’s west.
Sitaleki ‘Leki’ Filihiahekava, 32, was stabbed to death outside the Guzman y Gomez store in Marrickville on Monday night at around 7.40pm after dining with his family. Police suspect it was a targeted attack possibly linked to organised crime.
It is said that he and his attacker met outside the restaurant before he was stabbed. His killer is still on the run.
Police and family members rushed to his aid and administered first aid, but despite their efforts, Filihiahekava could not be saved.
Witnesses heard the man’s mother’s “heart-wrenching” screams as his brother quickly lifted the sheet covering the body.
Police stopped the distraught man who shouted, “He’s my fucking brother, don’t touch me.”
The brother was overpowered by police and a taser was drawn, but not used.
Bouquets of flowers, handwritten notes and a burning candle were left outside the Mexican restaurant on Tuesday morning as Mr Filihiahekava’s loved ones struggled to cope with the loss.
Sitaleki Filihiahekava, 32, was fatally stabbed outside the Guzman y Gomez store in Marrickville
Sitaleki Filihiahekava (pictured in the middle) was a popular player at Mascot Juniors
Many stood crying and comforting at the spot where their partner lost their life.
Frank Cookson, chairman of the Mascot Juniors football club, said Filihiahekava will be missed.
“It is with sincere regret that we announce the passing of one of our club players, Sitaleki Filihiahekava, last night in terrible circumstances,” Cookson wrote.
‘Leki was a much loved and respected member of our A Reserve Grade Premiership team two weeks ago, where he performed admirably.
‘We extend our deepest condolences to the extended Filihiahekava family and Leki’s many friends.
‘RIP Leki, your cheerful, friendly personality will be greatly missed.’
Heartbroken relatives of a young man who was stabbed outside a popular Mexican restaurant have returned to the scene of the shocking crime to leave flowers and pay their respects
“RIP Leki, your cheerful, friendly personality will be greatly missed,” read one of the bouquets.
Filihiahekava (left in the photo)
Guzman y Gomez was initially cordoned off and a crime scene was set up, but the case was reopened on Tuesday and business was back to normal.
According to Chief Inspector Ben Kennis, the police believe that the ‘two people met and that the attack was somewhat targeted’.
“It’s too early to say whether they arranged it … it was clear they knew each other. It wasn’t random in nature,” he said.
Superintendent Kennis did not comment on Filihiahekava’s injuries, but said they were inflicted with a “sharp object.”
“I don’t know if it was a knife… I know it was a sharp object, given the injuries,” he said.
The dead man’s brother was stopped by police as he tried to lift the sheet from the body
A manhunt is underway for those responsible for the fatal stabbing
“I can’t say for sure what weapon was used. There is a large and ongoing crime scene investigation going on today.”
Superintendent Kennis appealed to the public to help identify the unknown assailant who was last seen running along Silver Street in Marrickville.
“I would urge anyone with dashcam, CCTV or mobile phone footage to come forward to police, call Crime Stoppers … or contact detectives at Marrickville Police Station,” Chief Inspector Kennis said.
A witness, named Karen, who was shopping at the nearby Woolworths, said she saw emergency workers and police trying to revive the man, but he was ‘dead’ after five minutes.
“It makes me so sad because I come from abroad and I know this country is so safe,” Karen said.
Relatives pay their respects to Filihiahekava
A witness, named Karen (pictured), said she was shocked by the violence as Australia is known as a ‘safe country’.
“Honestly, I didn’t expect this kind of thing to happen in this country. It makes me sad, and sad for the guy.”
Locals expressed their shock at the horrific crime that took place in their neighborhood.
“Blood everywhere,” someone wrote.
“I saw police cars coming everywhere,” said another.
