29yo pharmacist Kum Chuan Leong was found dead in his Melbourne home

A Melbourne pharmacist who was allegedly killed by a homeless man in his Bellfield home has been identified as a talented 29-year-old pharmacist.

A Melbourne pharmacist who was allegedly killed by a homeless man in his Bellfield townhouse has been identified as 29-year-old Kum Chuan Leong.

A friend of Mr Leong discovered his body at home in the northeast suburbs when he did not show up for work at Eastern Health on Wednesday.

A Monash University graduate, Mr Leong completed a master’s degree in clinical pharmacy and had been employed with Eastern Health since 2021.

The man found dead in his Bellfield home has been identified as 29-year-old pharmacist Kum Chuan Leong, also known as KC. Picture: Facebook

Eastern Health chief executive officer David Plunkett paid tribute to Mr Leong, who was also known as KC, remembering him as a warm and generous member of their team.

“KC was recognised as a talented leader and was also a mentor for many of our emerging pharmacists,” he said.

“He will be remembered for his passion, kindness and dedication to his team and the broader community.”

A 54-year-old man was arrested near Mr Leong’s home on Wednesday.

He appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday via video link from the Heidelberg Police Station.

He is due to return to court in January.

A 54-year old man of no fixed address was arrested nearby. Picture: 9 News

A crime scene was established at Mr Leong’s townhouse on Davidson Street, Bellfield, on Wednesday.

Emergency services were called about 11.30am, and arrived to find the man’s body.

Police said a homeless man was located near the house.

“The 54-year-old man, of no fixed address, was arrested nearby and was interviewed in relation to the incident,” a police spokesperson said.

The 54-year-old man will face court on Friday. Picture: 9 News

Channel 9 reports the pharmacist had purchased the home at the beginning of the year, and was found with multiple alleged stab wounds.

Neighbours called triple-0 about 12 hours prior. Police were unable to access the property which neighbours thought the noise had come from, so left the scene.