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James Makir, 24, fronts court charged with murder after fatal stabbing near Caroline Springs Hungry Jack’s

A man has fronted court charged with murdering another man at a Caroline Springs fast food outlet as police search for two more people over the fatal fight.

Police conduct an investigation at a house in Caroline Springs. Picture: David Crosling
Police conduct an investigation at a house in Caroline Springs. Picture: David Crosling

A man has fronted court charged with stabbing another man to death outside a Hungry Jacks in Melbourne’s west as police reveal they are searching for two more people over the fatal fight.

James Makir, 24, fronted the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday afternoon after homicide squad detectives swooped on the Kurunjang man overnight.

Police allege Mr Makir fatally stabbed 24-year-old Kon Kot outside the fast food restaurant on the Western Highway near Caroline Springs Boulevard about 9.10pm on Monday evening.

During a brief filing hearing, prosecutor Holly Baxter requested a longer than usual time period to prepare the brief of evidence, which will include forensic analysis of Mr Makir’s clothing, and flagged the presence of two “unknown co-offenders” who are still being sought by police.

It’s believed the parties involved were known to each other.

The court heard police staffing issues could also see a delay in preparing the case as the informant and other homicide detectives had been redeployed to the Victorian/NSW border amidst Sydney’s Northern Beaches coronavirus cluster.

Defence lawyer Sai Ranjit opposed the 12 week deadline but the magistrate ultimately granted the extension, acknowledging the “once in a century pandemic”.

Mr Ranjit requested Mr Makir see a doctor while in custody but did not detail why his client required medical attention.

Police investigate at a house in Caroline Springs. Picture: David Crosling
Police investigate at a house in Caroline Springs. Picture: David Crosling

Mr Makir remained silent throughout the brief hearing and did not apply for bail.

He will return to court on April 27.

Emergency services were called to the fast food outlet on the Western Highway near Caroline Springs Boulevard about 9.10pm.

Paramedics treated the man, who suffered stab wounds, but he died at the scene.

— Do you know more? Email alanah.frost@news.com.au

Victoria Police Sergeant Julie-Anne Newman said the man was “believed to have been stabbed”.

Jessica Longinidis, who has lived in the neighbourhood for a year, arrived home about 9.45pm and saw a man being arrested in the garage of the two-storey home.

“The roller door was up and literally the second I got out of my car I saw three police coming out the walkway where Hungry Jacks is.

“They put him in handcuffs — one of them, there were two guys.

“He wasn’t resisting, it was all fine.

“He was saying you haven’t seen the humble side ... my humble side.”

She said that on Sunday night another man, who she believed was connected to the family, was arrested on the same street.

“They’re always hanging around outside.

“One guy... came up to my husband and introduced himself and said he just got out of jail.

“It’s unsettling (what’s happened).”

Another neighbour said she saw a group of young people about midday, including some from the home, sitting in a car near the Hungry Jack’s.

She said a family with about seven kids lived at the property.

A crime scene was set up in the area and the street was blocked off until about 7am on Tuesday morning.

Anyone who witnessed the incident was urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts/stabbing-man-killed-at-caroline-springs-hungry-jacks/news-story/bc134a8ce6a8e7b678d9ebda64ab1714