Homicide investigation underway after Hai Lin’s body found in Homebush West home

A 31-year-old man has been charged after he allegedly stabbed his 66-year-old landlord to death during a planned visit to a Sydney share house.

Image of forensic police, who are working on the investigation.

A man has been charged with murder after he allegedly stabbed his landlord to death during a planned visit to a Sydney share house.

Police discovered the body of a 66-year-old Hai Lin at a home on Courallie Ave, Homebush West, about 11.30pm Friday, after receiving reports of a concern for welfare.

The Telegraph understands Mr Lin, the owner of the property, arrived at the home he leased to several people around 6pm, to carry out some maintenance work.

However, police will allege he was stabbed by one of his tenants in the granny flat at the back of the property.

Police investigators set up a crime scene at a residence in Homebush West where a body was discovered. Picture: Jeremy Piper

The tenant – a 31-year-old man – was found at the property when police arrived, as well as the knife believed to have been used in the stabbing.

It’s understood the tenant was known to police and had prior interactions with them due to his mental health.

The man was arrested and taken to Auburn Police Station, where he was then charged with murder.

The 31-year-old was refused bail and will appear at Parramatta Local Court tomorrow.

Auburn Police Area Command Superintendent Robert Toynton said police were still investigating when during the five hour period Mr Lin was killed what led to the incident.

The crime scene in Homebush West. Picture: Jeremy Piper

“Our condolences go out to the family of this 66-year-old man,” he said.

“We have confirmed there is a link between (the two men) they know each other,” he said.

“How they actually know each other is a line of inquiry. We aren’t treating this as a domestic violence incident.”

Police at the residence in Homebush West. Picture: Jeremy Piper

A neighbour, who also lives in a home owned by Mr Lin, said he was a “nice, fair” man.

“He would stop in every so often for an inspection or to fix something,” he said.

“He was always very nice, very fair, we liked him.

Police at the residence in Homebush West. Picture: Jeremy Piper

“To hear about what happened. I really am shocked, it’s hard to hear of something like that happening.”

Several forensic police remained at the home for much of Saturday, as they investigated the circumstances surrounding the death.

The 31-year-old was refused bail and will appear at Parramatta Local Court tomorrow.