Young pharmacist identified as victim of alleged murder at home in Bellfield, Melbourne

The victim of an alleged murder in Melbourne’s northeast has been identified, as his alleged murderer faced court in a seemingly agitated and angry state.

Kum Chuan “KC” Leong, 29, was found dead in his townhouse on Davidson St in Bellfield, near Ivanhoe, about 11.30am on Wednesday.

Leong worked as a pharmacist at Eastern Health, where chief executive David Plunkett remembered him as a “talented leader” and mentor for others starting out in the field.

“It is with great sadness that Eastern Health acknowledges the shocking death of our friend and colleague Kum Chuan ‘KC’ Leong,” Plunkett said.

“KC joined Eastern Health in early 2021 and is being remembered as a warm and generous member of the pharmacy team.

“He will be remembered for his passion, kindness and dedication to his team and the broader community.

“Given the sensitive nature of this matter, we ask you to respect the privacy of his family, friends and colleagues at this time.”

Leong was found dead by a friend after he failed to show up for work.

He had only bought and moved into the home about six months ago.

It is believed Leong had been repeatedly stabbed on Tuesday night.

His accused killer Simon Hunter, 54, of no fixed address, was arrested near a toilet block in a park just across the road from the victim’s home.

He initially appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court via a video link, peering through the window in his cell door at Heidelberg Police Station on Thursday.

The hearing was adjourned when Magistrate Tara Hartnett ordered Hunter be taken to an appropriate room or the court itself.

Shirtless and in a pair of dark shorts, Hunter was eventually beamed into the court from a police interview room, where he flew into fits of rage during the hearing, spouting incoherent ramblings and pacing.

The accused murderer was suffering back pain and had been diagnosed with schizophrenia, the court was told.

His lawyer said he had not taken his medication in two weeks.

The magistrate ordered Hunter to have his hands and fingers swabbed for DNA evidence.

Leong’s family flew into Melbourne from Malaysia on Thursday, but did not attend the court hearing.

Hunter will next face court in January.

It remains unclear if the accused, and Leong knew each other.

Residents previously said they heard a commotion near the property 12 hours before the body was found.

A woman was heard crying and police were called, one neighbour said.

- With AAP