Candlelit vigil for murdered homeless man in Maroubra

FORMER bus driver Peter Hoffman has been remembered at a candlelit vigil in Maroubra. Police are still hunting for his killer.

Peter Hofmann has been remembered at a candlelit vigil in Maroubra. Picture: Jenny Evans

MOURNERS have gathered for a candlelight vigil to remember homeless man Peter Hofmann, who was murdered in Maroubra.

Mr Hofmann, 68, was found stabbed to death in his car near the beach in Sydney’s eastern suburbs on June 21.

The former bus driver, dubbed “Mr Lonely”, had been living in the vehicle after being scammed out of his life savings.

Detectives located the offender’s knife within hours but his attackers have yet to be identified.

Police this week scoured a rubbish tip nearly 40 kilometres away after a witness claimed to have seen items being dumped in a bin near the crime scene. Investigators were searching for clothing the killer may have been wearing at the time.

Candlelit vigil for the late Peter Hofmann held at Maroubra. Picture: Jenny Evans

The local community gathered in Maroubra to remember the former bus driver. Picture: Jenny Evans

Close to 100 people gathered to show their respects. Picture: Jenny Evans

Close to 100 people attended the vigil on Saturday night in a park off Mons Ave, not far from where Mr Hofmann was found.

“The vigil was lovely, and the song was beautiful,” local resident Dame Pyett posted on Facebook after the event.

“I found it horrific that this could happen in our sleepy quiet family friendly area. I hope they find the murderer and lock him/her up and chuck away the key.” The vigil raised $416 for Maroubra Salvation Army.

The beloved former bus driver had been living in his car after being swindled. Picture: Supplied

Randwick City Council Mayor Noel D’Souza and NSW Police Superintendent Karen McCarthy, who is leading the investigation, were reportedly among the mourners.

The former bus driver has been described as a “quiet, gentle man” by his sister Patricia Hofmann, who lives in the UK.

Mr Hofmann became homeless after he was defrauded by a scam.

He came to Australia as a Ten Pound Pom — one of many British migrants who sought a better life after WWII.

Ms Hofmann says her brother would have been embarrassed by all the attention. “I cannot thank you all enough for making my brother part of your community,” she wrote on Facebook.

Originally published as Candlelit vigil for murdered homeless man in Maroubra