Tragic new details emerge following fatal stabbing in Guzman y Gomez, Marrickville, Sydney

A migrant woman was left in shock after witnessing the aftermath of a fatal stabbing outside a fast-food restaurant – an experience she never expected after moving to Australia.

Police are still searching for the killer of 32-year-old Sitaleki Filihiahekava, who was attacked after having dinner with his family near Guzman y Gomez on Marrickville Road in Marrickville in Sydney's inner west at about 7.30pm on Monday.

The police suspect a targeted attack with possible links to organized crime.

It is believed that he and his attacker met outside the restaurant before the knife attack and that the attacker was still on the run.

While shopping at a nearby Woolworths, a migrant woman named Karen witnessed paramedics and police officers attempting to resuscitate Filihiahekava.

Unfortunately, his death was pronounced five minutes later at the scene of the accident.

“We were just going to Woolworths to buy an ice cream and as we were crossing the road we saw a guy lying on the ground. I heard he had been stabbed,” said Karen, visibly dismayed.

“It makes me so sad because I come from overseas and I know this country is so safe.

Sitaleki Filihiahekava, 32, was stabbed to death outside the Guzman y Gomez store in Marrickville

“Honestly, I didn't expect something like this to happen in this country. It makes me sad, and I'm sad for the guy.”

Police and desperate family members rushed to his aid and provided first aid, but despite their efforts, Filihiahekava could not be saved.

Witnesses heard the man's mother's “heartbreaking” screams as his brother arrived at the scene and attempted to lift the sheet covering the body.

Police detained the desperate man, who screamed: “He's my fucking brother, don't touch me.”

The brother was detained by police and a taser was drawn but not used.

Bouquets of flowers, handwritten notes and a burning candle were left outside the Mexican restaurant on Tuesday morning as Mr Filihiahekava's relatives struggle to cope with his loss.

Many stood crying at the place where their partner had died and comforted each other.

Mascot Juniors football club president Frank Cookson said Filihiahekava would be missed.

The heartbroken relatives of a young man who was stabbed to death outside a popular Mexican restaurant have returned to the scene to lay flowers and pay their final respects.

Sitaleki Filihiahekava (centre) was a popular player at Mascot Juniors

“It is with sincere regret that we announce that one of our club players, Sitaleki Filihiahekava, passed away last night under horrific circumstances,” Cookson wrote.

“Leki was a popular and respected key member of our A Reserve Championship team two weeks ago and performed admirably there.”

“We would like to express our deepest condolences to the large Filihiahekava family and Leki’s many friends.”

“Rest in peace, Leki, we will miss your cheerful, friendly personality very much.”

New South Wales Police Superintendent Ben Kennis said police believe “the two individuals met and the attack was targeted.”

“It's too early to say if they arranged it … it was clear that they knew each other. It was not a coincidence,” he said.

The dead man's brother was detained by police as he tried to lift the sheet from the body

The manhunt for those responsible for the fatal stabbing is ongoing

Superintendent Kennis did not comment on Filihiahekava's injuries, but said they were inflicted with a “sharp object.”

“I don't know if it was a knife… Given the injuries, I know it was a sharp object,” he said.

“I cannot say for sure which weapon was used. A large crime scene is currently still being investigated.”

Superintendent Kennis asked the public for help in identifying the attacker, who was last seen running down Silver Street in Marrickville.

“I urge anyone with dashboard camera, CCTV or mobile phone footage to please come forward to police or call Crime Stoppers… or contact detectives at Marrickville Police Station,” Superintendent Kennis said.

Mourners pay their last respects to Filihiahekava