Murder charges laid against son after Buzzy Bee’s Burger House killings

Hoa Tek Chien and Heang Kim Gau had owned and operated Buzzy Bee’s Burger House for decades and were well-liked members of the community in Sydney’s west.

Hoa Tek Chiem and Heang Kim Gau, who were found dead in their takeaway shop, Buzzy Bee's Burger House in Sydney’s Cambridge Park.

The 31-year-old son of a married couple found stabbed to death on Saturday in their takeaway food shop in Sydney’s west has been charged with their murder, as local residents and customers paid tribute to the much-loved Cambodian-born migrants.

Allan Chiem was arrested at 12.30am on Sunday at a home at Canley Heights and charged with two counts of murder (domestic violence).

At 9.40am on Saturday, police were called to Buzzy Bee’s Burger House on Oxford St, Cambridge Park, where they found the bodies of Hoa Tek Chien, 69, and Heang Kim Gau, 68.

Police believe the couple was killed between 7am and 8.15am.

The pair had owned and operated the shop for decades and were well-known and respected members of the community.

Local residents said they had been planning to retire soon.

It is understood Mr Chiem was living with his parents at the time of the alleged murder, and worked part-time in the business as a bookkeeper.

A crime scene is established in Oxford Street, Cambridge Park after two bodies were found. Picture: NewsWire/Simon Bullard

Floral tributes are pictured at the scene. Picture: NewsWire / Simon Bullard.

Mr Chiem’s older brother discovered their bodies and immediately called triple-0, with police describing the alleged murder scene as “confronting”, saying the two were found with “significant injuries”.

“The family are obviously devastated and they are assisting police,” a spokesperson said.

Officers attached to the case were investigating social media footage that showed a man dressed in black who had been on the roof of shops before jumping to the pavement.

Strike Force Minlaton, composed of detectives from Nepean Police Area Command, assisted by the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad, was formed to investigate the deaths.

Officers attached to the case were investigating social media footage that showed a man dressed in black who had been on the roof of shops

Tributes to the couple from former customers and employees were placed outside the shop front on Sunday morning, urging justice and sharing memories of the couple and well wishes to the grieving family.

“We are hurting tonight,” one tribute read. “We will miss you.”

One person who worked at the takeaway shop in 2020 recalled learning “what it means to be hardworking” while under the guidance of the couple, who were “pillars of the community”.

“For 29 years, seven days a week – rain, hail or shine – they dedicated themselves to this place,” the sign read.

Another former employee, who worked at the takeaway shop in 2022, following in their sisters’ footsteps, penned a touching tribute to the couple. “I remember when I first started working I made a lot of mistakes, but you both were always patient with me,” the person wrote.

“That’s the thing with these two, they are the hardest workers I have ever met!”

Local resident James Savic said news of the couple’s death was shocking, describing them as “just really lovely people”.

“I live only a few streets away so I go in there all the time; they’re very polite, very nice,” he said.

Allan Chiem did not appear at a hearing in Parramatta Local Court on Sunday and was formally denied bail.

Lawyer Mohamad Sakr said his client was not required to appear on video link as no release application was going to be made.

He suggested there may be mental health issues and requested that NSW Corrective Services undertake a mental health assessment of his client.

Mr Chiem will appear in Penrith Local Court early next year.

Additional reporting: Newswire