Snoee Badman charged with murder after stabbing death of league player in Marrickville

A rapper will face court over the alleged stabbing death of a popular rugby league player on a city street.

Jacob Tammer-Spence, who goes by rap name Snoee Badman, was arrested at Concord in Sydneys inner-west on Wednesday afternoon and is due to face Burwood Local Court charged with murder on Thursday.

Sitaleki Leki Filihiahekava, 32, was allegedly fatally stabbed outside a Guzman y Gomez outlet on Marrickville Road, Marrickville, at about 7.40pm on Monday.

Police canvassed CCTV footage from the road as they searched for his alleged attacker. Some restaurants had to stop trading for the night.

Police believe the alleged stabbing was a targeted attack and are investigating possible links to organised crime.

Filihiahekava was believed to have been dining before leaving, briefly meeting up with another man prior to the alleged stabbing, police said.

It was revealed earlier on Wednesday that Mr Filihiahekava was an associate of Dejan Danny Radulovic, who was beaten and stabbed to dath in July last year in Balmain.

Radulovic was on parole for drug supply at the time, and police suspect the attack was over a drug-related dispute.

Jacob Tammer-Spence, who goes by rap name Snoee Badman, has been charged with murder

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 where Mr Filihiahekava died on Monday.

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.

It was a highly emotive crime scene, Acting Superintendent Ben Kennis told reporters.

Superintendent Kennis explained police believe the two people met, and the attack was somewhat targeted.

It was not random in nature, he said. Its too early to say if they had arranged it ... it was clear that they did know each other.

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.

Rest in peace my brother, read one.

Mascot Juniors rugby league club paid tribute the former player following his death.

Leki was a much loved player of our club who played with his heart on his sleeve (and always with a joke and a smile), every time he took the field with those he called his brothers, the club said on social media.