Alexis Vikatos, 3, remembered as an 'angel' after Sydney stabbing death

“What has happened is just tragic ... but we don’t want it to overshadow what a beautiful boy Alexis was,” a relative of the young boy said.

A three-year-old boy allegedly murdered by his father in a southern Sydney unit has been remembered by heartbroken family as “an angel in life and death”.

The Daily Telegraph reports Alexis Vikatos, 3, was found dead in the bathroom of a unit in Riverwood on Wednesday afternoon with fatal stab wounds.

Police said his father Nathan Vikatos, 45, was found in another room bleeding heavily from a self-inflicted knife wound, and was rushed to hospital for treatment.

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Mr Vikatos was later charged with Alexis’ alleged murder and refused bail.

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Alexis Vikatos, 3, who was found dead in a unit at Riverwood last Thursday. His father Nathan Vikatos, 45, has been charged with the child’s murder. Picture: Supplied

"He was always happy ... we are all heartbroken"

Devastated family members told the Daily Telegraph Alexis was a “beautiful, happy boy” who struggled after losing his mother.

“What has happened is just tragic … but we don’t want it to overshadow what a beautiful boy Alexis was,” a relative said.

“He was always happy ... he loved trucks and diggers ... we are all heartbroken.”

The Daily Telegraph reports Alexis’ mum Jessica Marett died when he was 12 months old, leaving Mr Vikatos to raise the boy with the help of his mother on the Central Coast.

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Nathan Vikatos and Jessica Marett with their son Alexis. Vikatos raised the child after Ms Marett died from an illness when Alexis was a baby. Picture: Supplied

"Alexis, I'm so sorry darling boy"

A woman who babysat Alexis regularly told the Daily Telegraph she was “broken” by his death.

She said Alexis had suffered from speech delays which she helped him overcome, and they would spend hours together at the beach or playing with her dog.

“He called me Mum ... he excelled at speaking and confidence whilst I babysat him,” she said.

“Alexis, I’m so sorry darling boy ... I loved babysitting you.”

RELATED: Boy, 3, stabbed to death in 'horrific' domestic violence incident in Sydney

Forensic police enter the Riverwood apartment block where a three-year-old boy was found dead. Picture: Adam Yip

Dad's "altercation" before alleged murder

Mr Vikatos reportedly left the Central Coast eight weeks ago and moved to Medlow Bath in the Blue Mountains.

Police made the horrific discovery hours after Mr Vikatos’ current partner contacted police claiming he had been violent towards her at the Medlow Bath home.

The Daily Telegraph reports the couple had an “altercation” in the days prior to the alleged murder, and Mr Vikatos took the child to stay with a family member in Riverwood.

Police were in the process of contacting Mr Vikatos about the domestic violence claims when they received a Triple-0 call from the Riverwood unit.

-with Clementine Cuneo

Originally published as Alexis Vikatos, 3, remembered as an 'angel' after Sydney stabbing death