Darryl Kennedy: Bayswater North murder accused pleads not guilty

A Croydon man accused of fatally stabbing a former baseball player outside his home has made a request in court.

Chris Taylor was allegedly stabbed to death in Bayswater North on September 12. Picture: Facebook.

A Croydon man accused of fatally stabbing a former baseball player outside his home has asked for his case to be fast tracked to trial in the Supreme Court.

Darryl Kennedy, 42, appeared before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday to plead not guilty to one count of murder.

Police have previously alleged Mr Kennedy stabbed 40-year-old Chris Taylor outside a Bayswater North rental on September 12 last year about 7.10am.

He was treated at the scene by paramedics but died a short time later.

It’s believed Mr Taylor was alone at the time of the incident and he and Mr Kennedy were known to each other.

Mr Kennedy was allegedly arrested about 300m from Mr Taylor’s house on Canterbury Rd a short time later.

In court, defence lawyer Sam Norton applied for the case to be fast tracked to trial in the Supreme Court.

He was remanded into custody and committed to stand trial in the Supreme Court on February 8 by Magistrate Donna Bakos.

Mr Taylor, who was renting the house he was allegedly murdered outside, was working as an arborist in Melbourne after moving from Queensland.

Mr Taylor’s old baseball club, the Beenleigh Hawks, also based south of Brisbane, posted a moving tribute on its Facebook page the day after his death.

“We are deeply saddened to hear the news yesterday morning of a loyal hawkie and a dear friend of ours. R.I.P. Chris “CT” Taylor”, the club wrote.

“To the Taylor family. Thinking of you all and wishing you moments of peace and comfort at this time. Fly high CT!”