Lewis Parkin’s alleged murderer faces court for the first time after Hindley St horror

The man accused of stabbing a cop’s son to death in a horror hostel attack has faced court for the first time.

The man accused of killing a police officer’s son after a stabbing altercation at a backpacker’s hostel in the city last week will remain in custody for at least six months.

The 42-year-old man from St Mary’s, whose identity has been suppressed, faced the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Monday afternoon charged with the stabbing murder of 23-year-old Lewis Parkin on Friday night.

Police were called to an accommodation complex on Hindley Street after reports a person had been stabbed just before 8pm on Friday, November 8.

Mr Parkin sustained life-threatening injuries, with witnesses describing him as “not responding” before he was rushed to hospital where he died a short time later.

Lewis Parkin, victim of alleged stabbing on Hindley Street Picture: Supplied

Lewis Parkin, victim of alleged stabbing on Hindley Street Picture: Supplied

The Advertiser understands the pair were known to each other – both having stayed at the same hostel for a number of nights – before police allege the defendant launched a violent attack on Mr Parkin.

In court on Monday, Craig Caldicott, for the accused man, said he would not be making an application for his client to be released on bail.

“There’s no application for bail today, we’ve just received the facts of charge,” Mr Caldicott said.

Lewis Parkin died on Hindley St. Picture: Supplied

Lewis loved his dog.

“This is a serious charge, but we’d like the liberty to apply (for bail) if the circumstances change.”

Prosecutors asked the court to remand the man in custody for more than a year as they finalise the ongoing investigation.

“We’re seeking 13 months, that’s to examine DNA and lately we’re looking at about a 12 month wait for that process,” the prosecutor said.

Mr Caldicott however said that was too long for his client to spend on remand.

“We’d be happy with four to six months,” he said.

Police and ambulance crews at the scene of a serious stabbing on Hindley St on Friday night. The street was closed between Morphett St and West Tce, with detectives on-site. Picture: George Yankovich

Prosecutors then sought to suppress the man’s identity to protect the ongoing nature of the investigation – an application supported by Mr Caldicott.

“We have no objections and we’d join in on that,” he said.

“Clearly there’s a large number of witnesses to be spoken to and a number of identification processes to take place.”

The man will remain in custody until his next hearing in May, unless he calls on an application for bail in the coming months.