New details emerge after popular rugby league player killed in Marrickville stabbing outside Guzman y Gomez
New details have emerged about the associates of a popular rugby league player who was stabbed to death outside a Mexican restaurant - as his killer remains on the run.
New details have emerged about the associates of a popular rugby league player who was stabbed to death outside a Mexican restaurant - as his killer remains on the run.
Sitaleki Leki Filihiahekava, 32, was fatally stabbed outside the Guzman y Gomez store in Marrickville, in Sydneys inner west, at about 7.40pm on Monday, after having dinner with his family.
Police believe the stabbing was a targeted attack and are investigating possible links to organised crime.
Mr Filihiahekava was an associate of Dejan Danny Radulovic, who was killed in July last year in Balmain, after being brutally beaten and stabbed.
Mr Radulovic was on parole for drug supply at the time, and police suspect the attack was over a drug-related dispute.
Mr Filihiahekava was also friendly with William Siale, who alongside his brother Eric, were shot while sitting in a barber shop in July last year.
The Siale brothers survived the shooting which occurred on the same street Mr Filihiahekava lost his life on Monday.
It comes as the 32-year-olds killer remains in hiding, with a vigil held for the footy player outside Guzman y Gomez on Tuesday night.
Popular rugby league player Sitaleki Filihiahekava, 32, was fatally stabbed to death outside the Guzman y Gomez store in Marrickville just before 8pm on Monday
Mr Filihiahekava was an associate of Dejan Danny Radulovic (pictured), who was killed in July last year in Balmain, after being brutally beaten and stabbed
Loved ones gathered outside the fast food restaurant, where bouquets of flowers and handwritten cards had already been left earlier in the day.
Its understood Mr Filihiahekava and his attacker met outside the restaurant before he was stabbed. Hed just enjoyed a meal with his family before the fatal attack.
Police and distressed family members rushed to help him and administered first aid, but despite their efforts, Mr Filihiahekava could not be saved.
Witnesses heard the heartbreaking cries of the mans mother, while his brother arrived at the scene and tried to lift the sheet covering the body.
Police held back the distraught man who was heard screaming: Hes my f***ing brother, dont touch me.
The brother was restrained by police and a taser was drawn but not deployed.
On Tuesday morning, bouquets of flowers, handwritten notes and a lit candle were left outside the front of the Mexican restaurant, as Mr Filihiahekavas loved ones struggle to come to terms with his loss.
Sitaleki Filihiahekava (pictured centre) was a popular player with the Mascot Juniors, a semi-professional rugby league football based in Mascot, south Sydney
Heartbroken loved ones of a young man stabbed outside a popular Mexican restaurant have returned to the scene of the shocking crime to leave flowers and pay their respects
Loved ones left flowers and cards outside the restaurant where Mr Filihiahekava was killed throughout the day on Monday with a vigil held on Tuesday night
Many were seen in tears and consoling each other as they stood on the same spot where their mate lost his life.
Mascot Juniors footy club president Frank Cookson said Mr Filihiahekava will be sorely missed.
It is with sincere regret we advise the passing of one of our clubs players Sitaleki Filihiahekava last evening in terrible circumstances, he 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 Lekis multitude of friends we express our deepest sympathy.
RIP Leki your happy, friendly personality will be greatly missed.
Friends stood outside the restaurant for several hours on Tuesday following the fatal stabbing
Filihiahekava (pictured left) was a well liked and respected member of the A Reserve grade premiership team at the Mascot Juniors before his death
Guzman y Gomez was initially taped off with a major crime scene set up but it reopened on Tuesday with business resuming as usual.
Superintendent Ben Kennis said police believe the two people met, and the attack was somewhat targeted.
Its too early to say if they had arranged (to meet)... it was clear that they did know each other. It was not random in nature, he said.
Superintendent Kennis did not comment on Mr Filihiahekavas injuries but said they were inflicted with a sharp instrument.
I dont know whether it was a knife... I know it was a sharp instrument given the injuries, he said.
The dead mans brother was restrained by police as he tried to lift the sheet off the body
A manhunt is underway for those responsible for the fatal stabbing
I cannot say with any certainty what weapon used was. A large and continuing crime scene is being examined today.
Superintendent Kennis appealed to the public for help identifying the attacker who was last seen running down Silver Street in Marrickville.
I urge anyone with dash cam, CCTV, mobile phone footage to please come forward to the police or call Crime Stoppers... or contact the detectives at Marrickville police station, he said.
