‘Love you forever’: Sister’s tribute to alleged murder victim

Lewis Parkin’s little sister has spoken out about her “beautiful brother and best friend”, who was allegedly murdered in Hindley St on Friday night.

Alleged murder victim Lewis Parkin’s devastated younger sister has paid a heartbreaking tribute to her “best friend”.

Erin Parkyn said her 23-year-old brother, who was allegedly stabbed to death in a shocking attack on Hindley St about 8pm on Friday, was a “beautiful brother, lovely son and amazing nephew and grandson”.

“He was my best friend, I couldn’t have asked for a better brother,” said the 19-year-old, who grew up with Mr Parkin in Athelstone.

Speaking directly to her big brother, she said: “You were an absolute ray of sunshine. Through all your battles and challenges, you always found a way to push through and persevere.”

Erin Parkyn with her big brother, Lewis Parkin, as children. Picture: Supplied

Ms Parkyn, whose name is spelt differently to her brother’s as they have different fathers, said she and their mum, Deb Parkyn, had been caring for Mr Parkin’s beloved dogs, Rusty and Boofa.

“Your lovely dogs will miss you forever,” Ms Parkyn said.

Lewis Parkin with his beloved dog, Rusty. Picture: Supplied

Lewis Parkin with Rusty. Picture: Supplied

Lewis Parkin with his beloved dogs, Rusty and Boofa. Picture: Supplied

A 42-year-old man has been charged with Mr Parkin’s alleged murder and appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Monday, when he was refused bail.

Speaking to The Advertiser on Monday afternoon, Ms Parkyn said she was reflecting on “so many good memories together, with our days at the beach house, dance parties and spending quality time together”.

“I could talk to you forever,” said the teenager, who works as a pilates instructor.

Alleged murder victim Lewis Parkin with his sister, Erin Parkyn. Picture: Supplied

Ms Parkyn said her brother, who went to school at Urrbrae Agricultural College and worked as a shearer before embarking on a career in carpentry, had been a talented sportsman who excelled at football and cricket.

He was also an “amazing fisherman”.

Lewis Parkin, left, on his birthday. Picture: Supplied

Lewis Parkin with his mum, Deb Parkyn. Picture: Supplied

Deb Parkyn with her children, Lewis and Erin. Picture: Supplied

“You accomplished so much in life from such a young age with your sporting career from footy to cricket to then achieving so much with work, becoming an amazing fisherman, one of the best shearers we know and then starting your carpentry journey,” she said

“You were such a kind person and touched so many people’s souls. I hope you enjoy your rest and peace. Please watch and guide over all of us.

“Love you forever, brother.”

Friends said Lewis Parkin had been planning to resume his carpentry career. Picture: Supplied

Tommy, a friend at the West End Motel and Backpackers on Hindley St, where Mr Parkin was allegedly stabbed to death, said he had been excitedly planning to start a new job with a carpentry firm.

“He got a carpentry job and he was supposed to start next week,” Tommy, 24, said. “He just wanted to get back to working. It’s a really tragic story.”

Another friend, who did not want to be named but told The Advertiser he had been sharing a room with Mr Parkin at the motel.

He said Lewis was a caring, thoughtful man who was always looking out for others.

Lewis Parkin: “I just knew he was a top bloke,” said a friend. Picture: Supplied

“I just knew he was a top bloke,” he said.

“He would stop to help homeless people, he didn’t even know them but he would ask them ‘what are you doing on the streets’, give them his time and listen to them and help in any way possible. Even if he didn’t have much to offer, he would offer what he had.

“That’s Lewis in a nutshell.”

Mr Parkin was the son of a serving South Australian police officer.

South Australian Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said on Monday the family were heartbroken.

“As you can imagine there is devastation, you can’t begin to comprehend what that father and the rest of the family are going through,” he said.

Commissioner Stevens – who lost his son Charlie, 18, in a car accident last year – said he had not yet spoken to the officer.

“It is a very difficult time for a family, there will be an opportunity for me to be able to speak to that officer.

“We are reaching out to the family of the young man who lost his life to make sure we are offering as much support to the police officer and his family.”

Support also is being offered to officers who attended the incident.

“I’m sure you can imagine how difficult it would be to respond to an incident like that and provide immediate assistance to the victim and assist the paramedics who are working on the victim,” Commissioner Stevens said.

“It can be challenging. We put a lot of effort into making sure our police understand the resources that are available to them to assist if they are struggling with some of the things they experience as police officers.”