Woman charged after two men stabbed to death in Brunswick

A loving father has been remembered as a “hero” by his daughter after he and his friend were allegedly stabbed to death in Brunswick.

Two men slain in a brutal stabbing attack in Brunswick have been remembered by family and friends.

Samir Esbeck, 59, and Sarkis Abboud, 61, were killed when a 44-year-old woman allegedly stabbed the men to death at a Hope St apartment complex on May 5.

It’s understood Mr Abboud was friends with Mr Esbeck who was in a relationship with the woman.

Mr Abboud’s daughter, Christine Abboud, said she was heartbroken over her dad’s death.

“My father was my hero, a loving husband and brother to his family,” she said on social media.

“My heart feels empty knowing I won’t ever see him again … Dad, I love you.”

The Saint Moura Association of Victoria said Mr Abboud was a “great public figure” in the community.

“The committee of Saint Moura association offers their deepest condolences to the Abboud family,” a spokesman said.

“A brother and father and friend to many, who was loved by all and will be dearly missed but never forgotten.

“His presence was always felt and on this sad day his passing saddens us all.”

Sarkis Abboud, 61, was allegedly stabbed to death in Brunswick on May 5. Picture: Facebook

The woman charged with murder was released from hospital. Picture: Channel 7

The Brunswick apartment block was taped off after violence erupted. Picture: Nicki Connolly

Mr Esbeck’s partner was charged with two counts of murder following the fatal stabbings.

She was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on August 29.

Police were called to the apartment complex about 5.20am on Thursday.

Mr Abboud of Croydon was found lying outside the property with critical stab wounds before he died in an ambulance on the way to hospital.

Mr Esbeck of Brunswick was found dead inside the residential apartment.

The bloodied woman was arrested on a city-bound tram after she allegedly fled to Sydney Rd.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Mick Frewen said officers arrested the woman at the intersection of Faraday and Swanston streets, ­Carlton, near Melbourne University.

She was taken to hospital, discharged and interviewed by police.

Police believe the woman was given a lift by a person driving a ute and was dropped near the corner of Lygon and Pigdon streets in Carlton North about 5.40am on Thursday.

Detectives are still searching for the driver of the dark coloured ute who had tool boxes on the rear and a snorkel attached to the driver’s side.

It’s understood there is nothing at this time to indicate the ute driver was involved in the incident.

Drops of blood on the footpath at the scene. Picture: Nicki Connolly

A tram being forensically tested near University of Melbourne on Thursday morning. Picture: 3AW

Jordan Cadman, who lives on the first floor of the apartment complex, said it was shocking to hear of the double homicide.

“I got a knock on the door by police (about 7am) seeing if I had seen or heard anything suspicious overnight,” Mr Cadman said.

“It is a bit too close to home.”

Police told residents to ­remain in their units while detectives examined corridors, lifts and communal areas of the building.

Parts of Hope and Breese streets remained cordoned off to the public on Thursday while detectives searched for more evidence.

Forensic detectives also combed the Bulleke-Bek Park playground.

Mr Frewen said there were “blood trails” on the streets of Brunswick and ­encouraged anyone who saw blood to report it to police.

“Blood trails might be in an area that is blind to police or investigators,” he said.

“We would be very grateful if people could come forward and provide that insight. Those little pieces help complete the picture.”

Blood was seen on Sydney Rd at least 1km from the crime scene.

Police said the murder weapon was yet to be found.