Kingswood: Tributes flow for Sonmez Alagoz after alleged murder

A public floral tribute for a slain business owner and new grandfather is growing at the site of his alleged murder, as shattered family and friends unite to remember the beloved man.

Tributes at the Pizza Stop on the Great Western Highway in Kingswood, after Sonmez Alagoz was killed on Tuesday. Picture: Elizabeth Neil

Tributes are flowing for slain Kingswood pizza shop owner Sonmez Alagoz, with a growing number of flowers and heartfelt messages left at the scene of his alleged murder.

A 15-year-old boy allegedly knifed Mr Alagoz, 58, in the chest about 10.30pm on Tuesday, February 4, and was found with the fatal wound shortly after just outside his family business, the Pizza Stop, on the Great Western Highway at Kingswood.

He was rushed to Westmead Hospital in a critical condition, but died just after 12.30am.

The 15-year-old boy who allegedly stabbed Mr Alagoz was arrested at St Marys police station the following day, and charged with his murder.

The boy faced the Parramatta Children’s Court on Thursday, but did not apply for bail and was remanded in custody.

Pizza shop owner Sonmez Alagoz died after being stabbed at The Pizza Stop, near Kingswood train station.

Dozens of bouquets now line the closed roller door at the Pizza Stop as the community mourns Mr Alagoz.

Among the tributes was a typed letter signed by “V1 guy B” addressed to Mr Alagoz, which said he would be “missed by many and remembered for the light (he) shone in a community plagued by addiction and darkness”.

“I will miss our conversations and remember those we have had for the last 13 years,” the letter read.

“My condolences to the Alagoz family.”

Kind words continued to pour in online, with Crotty’s Bakery – only a few doors up from the Pizza Stop – sharing a heartfelt message following the tragic news.

“Today we won’t be posting anything about our products, we will be remembering one of our fellow shop owners,” the post read.

“This was a senseless, unnecessary killing of an innocent man, a hard worker and an amazing family man to all of his customers.

“We are beyond devastated to hear the news as we came into work (in the) early hours of the morning. Rest in Peace Sonmez.”

A heartfelt note taped to the door of the Pizza Stop in Kingswood. Picture: Elizabeth Neil

Former professional boxer Lawrence Tauasa said the Alagoz family had helped him with feeding less fortunate families within the community, and that Mr Alagoz’s son was always calling to ask if he had any families in need of dinner.

Speaking outside their family home on Wednesday, the shattered Alagoz family paid tribute to their beloved husband and father.

Turkan Alagoz told reporters her husband was “incredible”, as a husband and father.

“You can’t find a better father than him,” she said.

“(He) was the greatest man ever. He had the kindest heart and worked very hard for his children. He never wanted anything bigger than that.”

Mr Alagoz’s son Volkan described his father as a caring, generous man.

“If you were hungry, he fed you, if you needed a little bit of money in your pocket to use the payphone or catch a train, he’d give it to you to get home and most importantly, if you needed a chat, he would sit you down,” he said.

He said the family was not angry with the boy accused of murdering their father.

The family has been contacted for further comment.