The NSW Police Homicide Squad is reappealing for information as they take the lead on the investigation into the stabbing death of 17-year-old Uati “Pele” Faletolu (pictured) during an alleged brawl at the Royal Easter Show last week.
Emergency services responded to the carnival ride section about 8pm last Monday, April 11th, following reports of a brawl.
“Officers from the Easter Show operation and Auburn Police Area Command found two boys, aged 16 and 17, suffering stab wounds, one critically injured,” NSW Police said in a statement today.
“Police rendered first aid until NSW Ambulance paramedics arrived. The older boy died on route to hospital, while the younger boy underwent treatment for a wound to his leg.”
Meanwhile, a third boy, aged 15, was arrested at the scene and charged over his alleged involvement in the brawl. It’s alleged he was there with the other two boys.
Specialist forensic officers conducted an extensive examination of the crime scene, and an investigation was commenced under Strike Force Calle.
The investigation is now being led by detectives from the Homicide Squad along with Auburn Police Area Command and South West Metropolitan Region.
As their inquiries continue, Strike Force Calle detectives are appealing to anyone who was in the carnival area at the time of the brawl and hasn’t yet spoken to police to come forward.
Homicide Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty, said investigators were working meticulously through CCTV and other vision to identify those involved in the incident.
“Strike Force Calle detectives are methodically examining hours and hours of vision, to identify and piece together the movements of all those involved in the brawl,” Det Supt Danny Doherty said.
“Of the vision we have already reviewed, we know there was a significant amount of people filming the incident, many of whom have not yet supplied the vision to police.
“In our experience, it is likely that someone – or many people – has unknowingly captured a clear shot of something of relevance to the investigation.
“We are calling on these people – and anyone who may have images or videos taken at the Easter Show around the time of the incident – to upload it to us through Crime Stoppers or drop it into a local police station.”
Det Supt Doherty said in matters such as this, investigators were often met with a wall of silence.
“The Homicide Squad has a great deal experience in dealing with those connected to perpetrators or victims and their associates who are unwilling to assist due to either misguided loyalties or fear of retribution,” Det Supt Doherty said.
“We’ve brought people to justice in the past and we will bring those responsible for this stabbing to justice, but we need the support of the community.
“If you know something, say something. It only takes a moment to make a confidential call to Crime Stoppers; what you know could make a difference.”
Anyone with information which may assist Strike Force Calle is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
