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Murder charge over stabbing attack outside restaurant

Sitaleki Filihiahekava was allegedly stabbed outside Guzman Y Gomez in Sydney's Marrickville.

Sitaleki Filihiahekava was allegedly stabbed outside Guzman Y Gomez in Sydney's Marrickville. Photo: Supplied

A man will face court after a stabbing on a busy suburban street that killed a beloved local rugby league player.

The 31-year-old was arrested at Concord in Sydney’s inner-west on Wednesday afternoon and is due to face Burwood Local Court charged with murder on Thursday.

Sitaleki Filihiahekava, 32, died at the scene on Monday night after being stabbed outside a restaurant on Marrickville Road.

Police canvassed CCTV footage from the suburban strip as they searched for his alleged attacker.

Some restaurants had to halt trading following the stabbing, which occurred about 7.30pm.

Filihiahekava was believed to have been dining at one before leaving, briefly meeting up with another man before he was allegedly fatally stabbed, police said.

Family and friends converged on the scene not long after the attack.

“It was a highly emotive crime scene,” Acting Superintendent Ben Kennis said.

Cards attached to flowers left at the scene on Tuesday morning paid tribute to “Big Leki”.

“Rest in peace my brother,” read another.

Kennis said investigators believed the attack was “somewhat targeted”.

“It was not a random attack on Marrickville Road, the community can be assured of that,” he said.

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.

-AAP

Topics: Crime, NSW
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