Drill rapper named as accused killer after Marrickville stabbing

A drill rapper has been charged over the fatal stabbing of a "well-liked" rugby league player in Sydney's Inner West earlier this week.

Jacob Tammer-Spence, 31, also known by his rap moniker Snoee Badman, has been charged with murder after the alleged stabbing of Sitaleki Filihiahekava, 32, outside of a Guzman y Gomez fast food restaurant in Marrickville on Monday night.

Tammer-Spence, who is well-known in the drill rap scene and posts his music to TikTok, was arrested on Ben Street in Concord at 5.40pm yesterday before he was taken to Burwood Police Station and charged.

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Police then raided Tammer-Spence's home in Marrickville, just 100 metres from the crime scene, and seized clothes related to the alleged murder and his mobile phone.

He appeared in court today and made no application for bail. He said "I'm innocent" while being transferred into custody.

Emergency services were called to Marrickville Road about 7.40pm on Monday after reports that a man had been attacked.

Filihiahekava was found critically injured and died at the scene.

Police said a man who they believed could be involved was seen running down Silver Street shortly after the attack.

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Investigators also previously said they believe the men were known to each other.

They are now looking into potential links to organised crime as a motive for the allegedly targeted attack.

Filihiahekava's family had been eating at a restaurant when the attack happened.

Frank Cookson, president of the Mascot Juniors club where Filihiahekava played, paid tribute to the popular player on Tuesday after news of his death emerged.

"Leki was a well-liked and respected integral member of our A Reserve grade premiership team two weeks ago where he performed admirably," Cookson wrote.

"To the extensive Filihiahekava family and Leki's multitude of friends we express our deepest sympathy.

"RIP Leki your happy, friendly personality will be greatly missed."