Marrickville stabbing: Sitaleki Filihiahekava named as victim fatally wounded outside Guzman y Gomez

The victim of a shocking stabbing attack in Marrickville has been identified as, Sitaleki Filihiahekava, a well-known member of the community and local rugby league player.

Police described the shocking scene around Mr Filihiahekava’s death as ‘highly emotive’ after he was stabbed to death while eating with his family at a fast food restaurant in the Sydney suburb of Marrickville.

Family members and onlookers were in shock and vented their anger after Mr Filihiahekava was left bleeding to death on a footpath in what police are reporting appeared to be a targeted attack outside the Guzman y Gomez restaurant.

Inner west police area command acting commander, Superintendent Ben Tennis said the victim - who is known to police, was having dinner with family moments before he was stabbed to death by his attacker on the footpath.

“The victim was with a number of people at a restaurant in Marrickville prior to the incident,” Supt Tennis said.

“We believe at this point the two people met and the attack was somewhat targeted and not random.

“They did meet at that intersection where the incident took place. It was clear they did know each other.

“There was a very brief encounter and it didn’t last long until that male was stabbed.”

The attacker was seen on CCTV footage running down a nearby street moments after the incident.

“The offender is unknown at this stage and was last seen running down Silver St in Marrickville,” Supt Tennis said.

“This morning detectives continue to work hard to conduct canvassing to try and identify the offender.”

The attack happened about 7.40pm on Marrickville Rd on Monday evening, with police and paramedics rushing to the scene. Officers performed CPR on Mr Filihiahekava but he was unable to be revived.

A growing crowd who had been cordoned off from the scene became increasingly agitated and a scuffle ensued near he lay on the ground.

One man was heard screaming, “He’s my f***ing brother, don’t touch me,” before police moved the group away and cordoned off the area.

“A number of family and friends did converge on the crime scene,” Supt Tennis added.

“I can’t say with any certainty how they found out was happened.

“A male did breach the crime scene and had to be restrained by police, a taser was drawn however not deployed.”

Superintendent Tennis said police are now investigating if there are any organised crime links to the incident and confirmed a sharp weapon was used during the attack but could not suggest “with any certainty” it was a knife.