Police appeal for information about a man they wish to speak to in relation to David Dick’s murder

POLICE do not know why David Dick was viciously slashed without warning as he got out of a car park lift at a major Melbourne shopping centre.

DAVID Dick was viciously slashed and murdered with a large weapon as he stepped out of a car park lift at a major Melbourne shopping centre.

He was on his way to work on Friday, just like any normal day, but this time somebody was waiting for him.

Mr Dick’s mother Carol Cloke made a desperate and tearful plea on Tuesday to anybody who had information about who killed her son.

Mystery still surrounds the death, which took place at the Doncaster Shopping Centre car park about 6am on February 3, but police believe it was targeted and the person who killed him was planning to do it on Thursday, but Mr Dick didn’t turn up to the car park that day.

Victoria Police Detective Inspector Michael Hughes said Mr Dick was found by a fitness group in the car park lobby. They tried to help and called the ambulance but Mr Dick had died and reportedly had his throat slashed.

Mr Dick, 36, was a concreter and often parked in the Doncaster Shopping Centre car park before catching a bus.

“This was an incredibly brutal attack and David’s family is devastated by his death,” Detective Hughes said.

David Dick was killed on Friday. Picture: Victoria Police

The killer is believed to have been near the carpark between 5.45am and 6.10am on Thursday, February 2, and again the next morning when Mr Dick was slain. Police said the attacker had what is believed to be a long edge weapon in an equipment bag on both the Thursday and Friday. The attacker reportedly fled via a fire exit.

There is no known motive for the attack and police said Mr Dick had no time to fight back, or even feel fear. Police believe the attacker injured himself during the brutal murder.

“It is a targeted attack, there will be a connection. Whether they are known to each other we don’t know but you don’t spend time watching someone,” Detective Hughes said.

“This isn’t random. It’s a calculated, vicious attack.”

A man police want to speak to in relation to David Dick’s murder. Picture: Victoria Police

Mr Dick’s mother fronted media on Tuesday while being held by one of her other sons.

They both wept in disbelief and Ms Cloke said she just wanted her son back.

Her grief did not disappear as she prepared to speak about her son and his shocking murder.

“I’m not quite sure where to start,” she said as she choked back tears.

“Why does this happen? My son has been murdered.”

Ms Cloke has three sons, Mr Dick being the middle child, and she said she spoke to them every week.

“David was the most beautiful, fun loving, magical person. We all loved him so much, he had an enormous strength of character, he played football and cricket in Melbourne,” she said.

“I don’t know what else to say about my son. All I know is I’ll never see him again.”

Ms Cloke said her son had been sad and down for a little while but he’d finally just started getting on with his life.

Carol Cloke does not understand why her son was murdered.

Mr Dick’s uncle, John, had dinner with him just a week ago and said he was happy and everything was going well.

“We just talked about his job, he got extremely fit, was doing the gym. We talked about life in general, nothing specific, but he didn’t seem to be stressed. He was extremely happy and started establishing a relationship with a girl,” the uncle said.

“I’m angry. Nobody deserves to be treated like that and I think if you know who that person is will you please come forward and speak to police because it’s wrong, it’s just simply wrong. I’m not saying David was an angel but nobody deserves it.”

Police have released CCTV footage of a man they want to speak to in relation to the brutal attack. He is of caucasian appearance, aged in his 30s and about 176cm tall with a solid build and mousy brown hair.

Footage taken on Thursday, a day before the attack, shows him wearing a grey hooded jumper, tracksuit pants and runners and was carrying an item with a long yellow cover.

Anyone who recognises the man or with further information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

— with AAP