Friday, November 8, 2024

Fisherman murdered in random attack revealed to be father-of-three

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A Filipino father-of-three has been revealed as the fisherman who was allegedly stabbed by a homeless man in a random and unprovoked attack at Frankston Pier on Saturday.

A man has died at the scene after being hit by a truck in Melbourne.

The pedestrian was struck on a busy freeway in Frankston around 7am on Wednesday.

Parts of the road were closed during heavy morning traffic after the accident, but since re-opened.

The exact circumstances of the collision are still not yet known.

The driver of the truck is assisting police with enquires.

Mr Pancha was fishing on the Frankston pier in the early hours of Saturday morning when he was targeted in what a witness described as a random unprovoked attack.

Police have charged 36-year-old homeless man and self-proclaimed artist Forrest Stevenson with murder over the incident.

A traumatised witness told the Herald Sun he saw the unprovoked ambush just before dawn on Saturday.

Filipino father of three Andres Pancha was allegedly stabbed to death on Frankston Pier on Saturday morning.

The outlet was told the fisherman was randomly targeted and it seemed the attacker intended to kill the first person he saw.

“He (came) to kill,” the witness said.

“He didn’t come here just to let out some anger or fight … he knew what he wanted to do before he even got here.

“He just walked up, killed him and walked off.”

*WARNING PHOTO OF A DEAD PERSON* MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA – NewsWire Photos JUNE 29, 2024: SES is seen doing a ground search near the body of a man found at Frankston Pier Picture: NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

The witness said there was no argument or talking, and the fisherman did not “stand a chance”.

He said he checked on the 45-year-old victim before calling police and chasing down the attacker.

Victoria Police confirmed the attacker and the victim did not know each other.

Forrest Stevenson, 36, is accused of randomly killing a fisherman at Frankston pier on Saturday. Picture : Facebook

Acting Premier Ben Carroll described the stabbing as an “incredibly harrowing incident” as he offered his condolences to Mr Pancha’s family.

“My heart goes out to that man and his family,” Mr Carroll said.

“This is a horrific crime that has occurred…. Someone that’s literally just gone out to do a recreational activity that they love and enjoy (fishing), and to have a death is really so sad.

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It is understood that family and friends of Mr Pancha gathered at his family home in Cranbourne North on Sunday to grieve for their loved one.

A friend of the deceased father-of-three told the Herald Sun the family were “too distraught” to speak to the media and were awaiting the outcome of the police investigation.

The alleged murderer appeared before the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Sunday, with police telling the court they would need 12 weeks to compile a brief of evidence in the case.

Mr Stevenson has been remanded in custody until November 6they would need 12 weeks to compile a brief of evidence in the case.

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