Major update in horror Sydney stabbing
A man has been arrested following the alleged stabbing death of Sitaleki “Leki” Filihiahekava outside a popular restaurant on a major Sydney street on Monday night.
NSW Police on Wednesday night said a 31-year-old man was arrested in the suburb of Concord about 5.40pm.
“He has been taken into custody and is assisting police with inquiries,” a statement said.
Mr Filihiahekava, 32, was stabbed to death outside the Guzman Y Gomez on Marrickville Rd in Marrickville about 7.40pm on Monday.
Mr Filihiahekava couldn’t be resuscitated with CPR, with police still unsure whether a knife was used in the stabbing as no weapons have been recovered.
Tributes have been left outside the store where Mr Filihiahekava died.
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Flowers and tributes have been laid outside the restaurant.
“Forever grateful for all those nights when I was sleeping on Jordan’s couch and thought I had nothing left but you showed me how much I had to live for,” one heartbreaking note read.
“Going to miss soo much lad,” another read
A man from Mr Filihiahekava’s rugby league club earlier confirmed the news of his death in a social media post.
“It is with sincere regret we advise the passing of one of our club’s players Sitaleki Filihiahekava last evening in terrible circumstances,” the man wrote.
“Leki was a well liked and respected integral member of our A reserve grade premiership team two weeks ago where he performed admirably.
“To the extensive Filihiahekava family and Leki’s multitude of friends we express our deepest sympathy.
“RIP Leki, your happy, friendly personality will be greatly missed.”
Speaking to media on Tuesday morning, NSW Police Acting Superintendent Ben Kennis said the attack wasn’t random.
“The community can rest assured, we believe these two people met up, and it was targeted,” Superintendent Kennis said.
“It was not a random attack on Marrickville Rd. The community can be assured of that.
“It was too early to say if they arranged it … It was clear they did know each other.
“That meet-up is purely based on the CCTV footage. We do not have an identity for the offender at this point.”
Superintendent Kennis described the scene as “highly emotive”.
“Again, I’ll say it was highly emotive. A Taser was drawn; however, it was not deployed,” he said.
“Confronting for police and emergency services as you can imagine. This is 7.40pm, peak dinner time on Marrickville Rd, lots of restaurants, lots of businesses, licensed premises in the area.
“To have this happen on Marrickville Rd, or anywhere, is unacceptable. Knife crime is unacceptable.”
Police have renewed for anyone with information about the matter – or who were in the area at the time with any available dashcam/mobile phone footage – to contact Marrickville Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
