The New South Wales police are investigating the murder of a teenager and expectant father, Uati Faletolu, at the Easter Show. They appeal to those who went to the show who filmed the stabbing to hand in their videos to help search for the suspect.
Homicide Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty, said many people were filming the incident. Many of them still have to give the police the footage of the incident, 9News Australia reports.
On-going hunt for the killer
The 17-year-old was stabbed in the chest last Sunday while on a break from his job. The expectant father worked at the Break Dance Ride at the Sydney Showground, and investigators believed that he was targeted in the brawl that led to his death.
Forensic officers investigated the crime scene, but they have yet to find significant clues that will lead them to the killer. The homicide squad and the local police are now focusing their attention on the video of the incident. They are appealing to witnesses to submit their video footage to Crime Stoppers. The authorities are meticulously going through CCTV footage to identify those involved in the incident.
The authorities are looking into whether the stabbing is linked to postcode gang violence in Western Sydney. Police have questioned friends to establish whether it was a spontaneous fight.
According to News.com.au, the postcode gang may be a rivalry between the two groups, 67 from Doonside and 27 from Mount Druitt. The numbers are from their respective postal codes - 2767 and 2770. Uati was from Doonside, and his friends reportedly told the police that those responsible for his death were from Mt. Druitt.
Investigators have difficulty getting information from Faletolu's friends and associates, believing it was "misguided by loyalties or fear of retribution."
There has been a lack of cooperation and assistance, Doherty said.
However, the families of those involved support the police, despite grieving the loss of Uati. Detectives appealed to anyone in the carnival who witnessed the brawl to come forward.
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Mom breaks silence
Uati's family and pregnant girlfriend Taylor Piliae were tight-lipped days after his death. The teenager's mother, Janice Faletolu, broke her silence on Sunday, as per Daily Mail.
She described her son as a happy, outgoing young man with a loving heart. A family friend also said he was a loyal friend, caring brother, and selfless son and partner.
Despite the tragic circumstances surrounding her son's death, Janice said that they do not want Uati to be remembered as a victim. The family thinks that his passing is the time to honor and celebrate the "beautiful person" that he was.
She also expressed gratitude to their friends and the community for sending heartfelt messages, flowers, food, and financial support, blessings that have lightened their burden as they grieve for Uati.
The mom said that the family misses him and deeply feels his loss. They are also proud of the man that he became.
