An alleged fatal stabbing of a man in Sydney’s inner west was followed by a “highly emotive” confrontation between the victim’s family and police, authorities say, with officers now searching for the attacker.
Sitaleki Filihiahekava, a rugby league player from the city’s south, was killed in Marrickville on Monday evening.
The 32-year-old, known as Leki, was stabbed on Marrickville Road at about 7.40pm on Monday.
Police officers were on Tuesday searching for the alleged attacker.
The president of the Mascot Junior Rugby League Football Club (JRLFC), Frank Cookson, said Leki had played in the club’s premiership team a fortnight ago.
“It is with sincere regret we advise the passing of one of our club’s players Sitaleki Filihiahekava last evening in terrible circumstances,” Cookson wrote on social media on Tuesday.
“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.”
Officers found Filihiahekava unconscious on the footpath on Monday evening. Footage from the scene showed NSW Ambulance paramedics working on the pavement outside the local branch of Guzman y Gomez restaurant. The victim – who was known to police – died at the scene, authorities said.
New South Wales police said on Tuesday the 32-year-old had been having dinner at a local restaurant shortly before the “targeted” incident.
The victim subsequently briefly met the alleged attacker at the intersection of Marrickville Road and Silver Street, Acting Supt Ben Kennis said.
“The offender at this point is unknown … we believe the two people met and the attack was somewhat targeted. It was not random,” he said.
“We’re still investigating whether there is any organised crime links or this is related to any conflict.”
Kennis said the victim was stabbed with a “sharp instrument” and the alleged offender was last seen running down Silver Street.
Members of Filihiahekava’s family were then involved in a confrontation with the police, Kennis said. A man was restrained at the scene after allegedly “breaching” the crime scene. A Taser was drawn but not deployed.
“A number of family and friends did converge on the crime scene. It was a highly emotive crime scene,” Kennis said.
The acting superintendent said the incident occurred at “peak dinner time” on the inner suburban high street.
“Lots of restaurants, lots of businesses, licensed premises in the area … To have this happen on Marrickville Road or anywhere is unacceptable,” Kennis said.
Police closed a number of local roads for initial investigations. One local resident wrote on social media that as of about 10pm on Monday, “half of Marrickville is locked down”.
Police said they would “work tirelessly … to track down the offender”.
A large amount of CCTV from the local area was being analysed by police and anyone with information or dashcam footage from the scene was urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
Strike Force Nogales was established to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death. Homicide squad detectives were assisting.
