By Frances Howe
Two men have been charged with murder over the stabbing death of a father-of-six in a western Sydney ambush and police are investigating whether the “cold-blooded callous attack” was drug related.
Stabbing victim Josese “Joseph” McGoon and a friend had eaten a pizza in their car and were walking to another friend’s home in Guildford on July 20 when three men clad in black and with face coverings jumped out of a vehicle and chased them.
One of the three men, clad in black and with face coverings, who allegedly jumped out of a vehicle and chased Josese “Joseph” McGoon and a friend.Credit: NSW Police
The 37-year-old was severely beaten and stabbed in the stomach during the confrontation on Bangor Street. McGoon’s friend escaped and later drove him to Westmead Hospital, where he died from his injuries.
“For him to be attacked in broad daylight, to lose his life in this manner is horrendous,” homicide squad commander Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty told reporters.
Father-of-six Josese “Joseph” McGoon.Credit: Nine
“It’s a cold-blooded callous attack on the streets of Sydney.”
Police are now treating the ambush as a planned attack linked to organised crime, with drugs a possible motive.
Welken Akot, 23, was arrested at Silverwater Correctional Complex on Thursday and charged with murder, participation in a criminal group and contributing to criminal activity. He was refused bail and will appear before Parramatta Local Court on November 21.
It follows the arrest of another 23-year-old man, Nhial Chol Tito, on September 26 when police executed a search warrant on a hotel room in Ryde. He was also charged with murder and failure to allow access to dedicated encrypted criminal communication devices, and is due to appear in Parramatta Local Court on November 21.
A manhunt is under way for two other men involved in the incident, one of whom was the alleged driver.
Doherty said Akot and Chol Tito had links to Victoria. Asked whether police would expand their manhunt to that state for the two other alleged offenders, Doherty said: “We’re happy to extend it [the search] anywhere because at the moment we’re seeking assistance from the community.
“We’re hopeful that they are in the NSW area still.”
A silver Toyota Aurion sedan carrying the four men allegedly involved was seized in NSW. No weapons were found inside.
In July, McGoon’s mother Mereoni told Nine that her son had called the day before his death to apologise for something he didn’t tell her.
“He called and he kept on saying, ‘Mum I love you, I’m sorry Mum,’ ” she said.
“I don’t know what the reason [was] he said that, but he kept on repeating it.
One of the men arrested by police.Credit: NSW Police
“He’s got a golden heart ... happy go [lucky] man ... he seems to love everybody.”
She also had a message for the accused, saying, “Just forgive them.
“My son is dead. All I can say is God bless them, that’s all.”
Police are asking anyone with information to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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clarification
An earlier version of this story said one of the men was arrested on July 26 based on information from police. They now say the arrest took place September 26.