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A high-profile Sydney rapper is to face court over the alleged stabbing death of a popular rugby league player on a city street outside a fast food restaurant.
Jacob Tammer-Spence, known as rapper Snoee Badman, was arrested in Concord, in Sydney’s central 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 and Gomez premises on Marrickville Road, Marrickville, at approximately 7.40pm on Monday.
Police analysed CCTV footage from the street as they searched for the suspected attacker. Some restaurants had to close their doors that night.
Police believe the alleged stabbing was a targeted attack and are investigating possible links to organised crime.
Filihiahekava is believed to have been having dinner before leaving and briefly met another man before the alleged stabbing, police said.
On Wednesday it was revealed that Filihiahekava was an associate of Dejan “Danny” Radulovic, who was beaten and stabbed to death in Balmain in July last year.
Radulovic was on parole for drug trafficking at the time, and police suspect the attack stemmed from a drug-related dispute.
Jacob Tammer-Spence, known by the rap name Snoee Badman, has been charged with murder.
Snoee Badman gained notoriety after recording a rap album in prison
Filihiahekava was also friends with William Siale, who along with his brother Eric, were shot while sitting in a barbershop in July last year.
The Siale brothers survived the shooting that occurred on the same street where Filihiahekava was killed on Monday.
Police and distraught relatives rushed to his aid and administered first aid, but despite their efforts, they were unable to save Mr Filihiahekava.
Witnesses heard the “heartbreaking” screams of the man’s mother, while his brother arrived at the scene and tried to lift the sheet covering the body.
Sitaleki ‘Leki’ Filihiahekava, 32 (pictured), was allegedly stabbed to death outside a Guzman and Gomez store in Sydney’s central west.
Sitaleki Filihiahekava (pictured centre) was a popular player for Mascot Juniors, a semi-professional rugby team based in Mascot, south of Sydney.
Police restrained the distraught man who was heard shouting: “That’s my fucking brother, don’t touch me.”
“It was a very emotional crime scene,” Acting Superintendent Ben Kennis told reporters.
Superintendent Kennis said police allege “two people knew each other and the attack was somewhat targeted”.
Heartbroken loved ones returned to the scene of the shocking crime to leave flowers and pay their respects.
Flowers and cards were left outside the restaurant where Mr Filihiahekava was killed, while a vigil was held the following evening.
“It wasn’t a coincidence,” he said. “It’s too early to say if they had planned it… it was clear they knew each other.”
Bouquets of flowers, handwritten notes and a lit candle were left outside the Mexican restaurant Tuesday morning as Filihiahekava’s loved ones struggle to come to terms with their loss.
Rest in peace, my brother, one said.
Mascot Juniors rugby club paid tribute to the former player following his death.
“Leki was a much-loved player at our club who played with his heart on his sleeve (and always with a joke and a smile), every time he stepped onto the pitch with those he called his brothers,” the club said on social media.
