Welken Akot, Nhial Chol Tito charged over alleged roles in murder of father-of-six Josese ‘Joseph’ McGoon

Detectives investigating the fatal stabbing of a “knockabout” father-of-six in western Sydney have charged two men over their alleged roles in the “cowardly” homicide, which they say could be drug-related.

Two men have been charged after a father-of-six was allegedly murdered in what senior police have described as “a cold-blooded attack on the streets of Sydney”.

Homicide Squad commander Danny Doherty described the “broad daylight” incident as “horrendous” on Friday, when NSW Police revealed Welken Akot and Nhial Chol Tito, both 23, had been charged with murdering 37-year-old father of six Josese “Joseph” McGoon in Guildford.

Mr McGoon died in Westmead Hospital after police say he presented with stab wounds to his abdomen about 2.15pm on July 20.

He had been driven there in a critical condition, arriving about half an hour after emergency services had been called to Bangor St, Guildford, following reports of an assault.

Police said officers who attended were told a man had been chased by a group of men before being assaulted and stabbed.

Josese McGoon was stabbed to death on July 20.

Police established a crime scene in Guildford and the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad detectives began an investigation into the incident under Strike Force Noyana.

Detective Superintendent Doherty said police would allege Mr McGoon had been targeted and the motive may have been drug-related.

“Josese, also known as Joseph, had some minor contacts with police and interactions, but he was ultimately a 37-year-old man who came from the Liverpool area that was a father of six kids,’’ he told reporters on Friday.

Homicide Squad detectives have charged two men with the alleged murder of a Guildford man Joseph McGoon. Picture: NSW Police

“He was a father and a husband and he was very much loved by his family, and he was a bit of a knockabout.

“For him to be (allegedly) attacked in broad daylight and lose his life in this manner is horrendous.

“It’s a cold-blooded attack on the streets of Sydney.’’

Supt Doherty said Akot and Tito were known to come from Victoria, where they allegedly had “minor interactions with police”.

Homicide Squad detectives have charged two men with the alleged murder of a Guildford man Joseph McGoon. Picture: NSW Police

Strike force detectives arrested Chol when they raided a hotel room in Ryde about 8am on September 26.

He was arrested and taken to Gladesville Police Station, where he was charged with murder, failing to comply with a digital evidence access order direction, and possessing a dedicated encrypted criminal communications device to commit serious criminal activity.

He faced Burwood Local Court that day, when he was refused bail to appear before Parramatta Local Court on November 21.

Following further investigations, strike force detectives arrested 23-year-old Akot at a Silverwater correctional facility about 11am on Thursday.

He was also charged with murder and participating in a criminal group contributing to criminal activity.

Akot was refused bail to appear on Friday in Parramatta Local Court, where his case was adjourned until November 21.

CCTV from the day Mr McGoon was stabbed. Picture: NSW Police

As investigations into the alleged murder continue, detectives are appealing to the public for identify two men seen in Merrylands on Saturday, July 20, about 1.40pm.

NSW Police said investigators believed these men may be able to assist with inquiries.

The first man is described as being of African appearance, in his early to mid-20s and about 195cm tall.

The second man is described as of Pacific Islander or Maori appearance, also in his early to mid-20s and of a muscular build.

The two men were last seen walking away from a silver Toyota Aurion sedan, which was allegedly used to travel to Bangor St and attack Mr McGoon.

Along with the seized Aurion, a Corolla hatchback and a dark blue Subaru Liberty were allegedly used in the attack.

Supt Doherty alleges four people acted together.

“It wasn’t just some random attack,’’ he alleged.

“It was a targeted attack by the fact that we believe there’s three cars involved and four people, so having at least three people get out of the car and attack one person is a cowardly act and it’s very callous.”

Supt Doherty said the two men at large could be in Victoria.
“We’re happy to extend (the appeal) anywhere because, at the moment, we’re seeking assistance from the community, but we’re hopeful that they’re in the NSW area still,’’ he said.