Loved ones gathered to honour the memory of Sitaleki Filihiahekava, a Sydney rugby league player who was fatally stabbed outside a fast-food restaurant in Marrickville on Monday night.
The 32-year-old’s death has shocked the community, with close to two dozen mourners holding a vigil outside the Guzman y Gomez eatery where the attack occurred.
Emergency services were called to the Mexican restaurant on Marrickville Road around 7:40 pm after reports of a critically injured man. Despite the best efforts of paramedics, Filihiahekava, who was found unconscious on the footpath, could not be saved.
On Tuesday evening, 24 hours after the stabbing, mourners gathered to pay their respects. The group, many stopping by after work, stood in silence around bouquets of flowers left in front of the restaurant. They stood with their hands in their pockets, heads bowed in grief.
Police are still searching for the attacker, who fled down Silver Street following the fatal stabbing. According to authorities, Filihiahekava briefly met with the suspect outside the restaurant before the attack. Acting Superintendent Ben Kennis confirmed that Filihiahekava was known to police but declined to provide further details.
Investigators are looking into potential links to organised crime, given Filihiahekava’s reported association with Dejan “Danny the Serb” Radulovic, who was killed in 2023.
Strike Force Nogales, with assistance from the Homicide Squad, is leading the investigation. Police are reviewing a large amount of security footage from the area, which was busy at the time of the attack, and are appealing for witnesses or anyone with mobile or dashcam footage to come forward.
Superintendent Kennis emphasised that the attack was not random. “We believe at this point the two people met, and the attack was somewhat targeted,” he said. The scene was described as “highly emotive,” with the attack occurring in front of families and commuters during peak dinner time.
Filihiahekava, who played for the Mascot Junior Rugby League club, has been remembered through tributes on social media. Club president Frank Cookson expressed his sorrow, noting that Filihiahekava was a well-respected and integral member of the team, having recently contributed to their A Reserve grade premiership win.
The alleged attacker remains at large, and police are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit the NSW Crime Stoppers website.
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