CCTV released as police hunt killer

Video footage may be the key in solving the murder of a popular dumpling bar owner in Templestowe Lower last month.

Police have released CCTV as part of their probe into the murder of the owner of a popular dumpling bar in Melbourne’s northeast last month.

Yoke Onn Chi, 56, the owner of China Bar at Northland Shopping Centre, was found dead in his home in Michael St, Templestowe Lower, at 11.20pm on January 31.

Mr Chi’s bag – which police believe had the day’s takings from the restaurant – is also still missing and could be a possible motive for his murder.

The father of three’s youngest son made the gruesome discovery and called police.

Police will set up an information caravan on Friday night between 8pm and 11pm in Michael St and are asking anyone who may have information to speak to investigators.

Yoke Onn Chi.

They want anyone who was in or around Michael St between 9pm and 11pm to contact them.

A number of vehicles were captured on CCTV travelling in the street around the time Mr Chi arrived home at 9.31pm.

Police said there is nothing to suggest the vehicles are linked to Mr Chi’s murder.

Homicide Squad Detective Senior Sergeant Pixie Fuhrmeister said a number of people would have been out and about on the night.

“That Friday was a particularly warm night and it is likely there would have been a number of people still out and about around 9.30pm,” she said.

“We are hoping that some of these people may have seen something that can assist us with solving this vicious murder.

Vincent Chi was found dead in his home in Michael St, Templestowe Lower, at 11.15pm on January 31.

“The CCTV we have viewed also shows a number of cars going past Yoke Onn Chi’s house and we are keen to speak to the drivers of those vehicles.

“We’d also like to speak to anyone who drove up Michael St or the surrounding area who may have dashcam footage as this may have captured some important details.”

Snr Sgt Fuhrmeister said police were still working to discover the motive for the crime.

“The CCTV released shows Yoke Onn Chi leaving Northland Shopping Centre around 9.15pm and he was carrying a small black bag at the time,” she said.

“It’s believed that bag had the day’s takings in it and we have established that bag is still missing.

“Police have also released a photo of a similar bag in the hope that someone can recall seeing someone carrying it in the area or to keep an eye out if the bag has been dumped in the area.

“Detectives are keen to speak to anyone who may have information about a possible motive for Yoke Onn Chi’s death or who might be responsible.”

“There is a previous altercation we are investigating but at this stage our minds are open as to what has led to this crime,” Sgt Fuhrmeister said.

“There is a very likely scenario he has been followed home in order for the day’s takings to be stolen.”

Ms Fuhrmeister said Mr Chi died from blunt force trauma in a “particularly vicious attack” but no weapon had been identified yet.

She also revealed Mr Chi was not known to police at all.

Police have released CCTV images of vehicles seen near the murder scene. Picture: Supplied.

Police are keen to speak to the drivers of these vehicles.

Police also want to speak to residents who may have seen anyone acting suspicious in the area before the incident or who may have disturbed someone in their yard.

Following his murder Mr Chi’s daughter told the Herald Sun it was a “very sad time” for the family.

Detective Sergeant Sol Solomon, of the homicide squad, was one of the first investigators at the scene.

The day after the murder he said Mr Chi had died “a very violent death”.

“We have a man killed in his own home under very violent circumstances. It’s extremely disturbing,” he said.

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Graeme Floody, who lived next door to Mr Chi, said he was “a perfect neighbour”.

“We never heard much from there — I used to mow the nature strip when it got too long but that’s about the extent of our interaction,” he said.

Anyone with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at crimestoppersvic.com.au