A popular rugby league player has been identified as the man killed in a stabbing outside a fast food restaurant in Marrickville.
Sitaleki ‘Leki’ Filihiahekava, 32, was fatally stabbed outside the Guzman and Gomez store in Marrickville, in Sydney’s central west, at about 7.40pm on Monday after having dinner with his family.
He and his attacker are understood to have met outside the restaurant before he was stabbed, and his killer is still at large.
Police and distraught relatives rushed to the scene and provided first aid, but the man could not be saved.
Witnesses heard the “heartbreaking” screams of the man’s mother, while her brother rushed to lift the sheet covering the body.
Police restrained the distraught man who was heard shouting: “That’s my fucking brother, don’t touch me.”
Police restrained the brother and pulled out a Taser on him, but did not use it.
Bouquets of flowers, handwritten notes and a lit candle were left outside the Mexican restaurant on Tuesday as Filihiahekava’s loved ones struggle to come to terms with their loss.
Many were seen crying and comforting each other as they stood at the same spot where their companion lost his life.
Sitaleki Filihiahekava, 32, was fatally stabbed outside the Guzman and Gomez store in Marrickville
Sitaleki Filihiahekava (pictured centre) was a popular player at Mascot Juniors.
Mascot Juniors football club chairman Frank Cookson said Filihiahekava would be missed.
“It is with deep regret that we inform you of the passing of one of our club’s players, Sitaleki Filihiahekava, last night in terrible circumstances,” Cookson wrote.
‘Leki was a much-loved and respected integral member of our reserve A Grade Premier Division team two weeks ago, where he performed admirably.
‘To the extended Filihiahekava family and to the multitude of friends of Leki we express our deepest condolences.
‘RIP Leki, your cheerful and friendly personality will be greatly missed.’
The heartbroken loved ones of a young man stabbed outside a popular Mexican restaurant returned to the scene of the shocking crime to leave flowers and pay their respects.
“RIP Leki, your cheerful and friendly personality will be greatly missed,” one bouquet read.
Filihiahekava (pictured left)
This is a breaking news story. More to come soon.
