By Josefine Ganko and Hayley Francis
A devastated mother has pleaded for information about a hooded figure and black car captured on camera minutes after her son was stabbed to death in a Sydney unit.
Police have ruled out organised crime, drugs or domestic violence as motives in the senseless killing of James Pakis, 34, at a Belmore unit block on the night of Saturday, March 15.
However, they say the circumstances around the alleged murder are still under investigation and someone knows why he is dead.
Strike Force Sandilands was launched to investigate the death, leading to the arrest of 21-year-old Johnathan Isaac Woods on March 17. Woods was charged with murder and remains behind bars after being refused bail.
Police are now appealing to the public to assist, and have released CCTV footage showing a hooded figure wearing black clothes and carrying a large blue bag on the night of the alleged murder.
James Pakis, 34, was stabbed multiple times.Credit: NSW Police
In the video the person crosses a street near the Belmore unit block, before being picked up by a black Honda Jazz with a damaged rear windscreen.
“We believe they have knowledge of this alleged murder, and that’s why we’re now seeking the assistance from the public to identify those persons and where that vehicle of interest is,” Detective Inspector Craig Brooks told reporters on Friday.
Pakis’ mother, Lena, vowed to be “the voice” of her son, and said she will fight to get him justice.
“They have to have evidence to put (the killers) away,” Lena told Nine News.
Lena Pakis, the mother of James Pakis, who was stabbed to death in a Belmore unit in March 2025.Credit: Nine News
“Don’t be afraid to say something, you’re helping families and people.”
She said her son was a loving, caring young man who was passionate about fishing and his friends.
“All he was doing was going out to have a drink with his friend, watch footy or something,” she said.
“You have to be able to go out and not worry about if someone is going to stab you, or if your kid is not going to come home that night.
“I just want Jamie to get justice – he didn’t deserve this.”
Brooks said Pakis’ family has been through a “very traumatic ordeal”, calling the alleged murder a “horrific offence”.
“James lost his life. He was a young 34-year-old man, and obviously we want to seek justice for his family.”
Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on1800 333 000 or Campsie Police.
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