NSW detectives are appealing for a mystery duo to come forward with information about the “brutal, senseless” murder of a popular South Coogee man.
Retired lawyer Peter McCarthy, 77, was found in his apartment on Elphinstone Road, South Coogee, about 11.20am on Sunday with severe head and facial injuries. His satchel bag, containing personal items including his phone, was stolen from the unit.
Officers from the Eastern Suburbs Crime Command established a crime scene, before detectives from the Homicide Squad took over investigations under Strike Force Airy.
“The results from the post-mortem, together with initial inquiries suggest that McCarthy was brutally assaulted, murdered and this is robbery related (to that),” Homicide Squad commander Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty told media on Thursday.
“This is a horrendous crime that has left a family without a father and grandfather this Christmas.”
Mr McCarthy was a retired solicitor who frequented Club York in Sydney’s CBD and his visit on Wednesday afternoon is his last known sighting.
“For a retired solicitor, he was a knockabout (man), who liked having a drink and a bet down the local,” Det Sup Doherty said.
Police say Mr McCarthy visited Club York at least three times a week. CCTV footage shows Mr McCarthy at the venue between noon and 2.30pm last Wednesday with the satchel bag that was stolen from his unit.
Police also released a still picture taken by CCTV cameras from a train station of a man and a woman they believe could help their investigations.
The man, of caucasian appearance with a medium build and light brown hair, was wearing black pants, black pants and black Raiders singlet top.
The woman with him, of caucasian appearance with a slim build and light-coloured hair, was wearing a black top, black hoodie, black pants, black sneakers and a black face mask.
“We believe these two people may have knowledge of McCarthy’s movements,” Det Sup Doherty said.
Police could not confirm whether the man and woman were also at Club York last Wednesday or if they were known to Mr McCarthy. “We’re still making those inquiries,” Det Sup Doherty said.
It is not known how Mr McCarthy got home from Club York on Wednesday and police have unconfirmed reports he was seen at his South Coogee unit on Thursday. It is believed Mr McCarthy’s former wife found him at his unit on Sunday and called emergency services.
“He did get public transport and we are still trying to confirm those timelines,” Det Sup Doherty said.
On Thursday, Mr McCarthy’s son James McCarthy, released a statement.
“Our family is devastated and still coming to terms with the loss of our father and grandfather, Peter,” he said.
“We have all been deeply affected by this tragedy, especially at what should be a time of celebration and joy this Christmas.
“We are grateful for the ongoing support from our family and friends and urge anyone in the community with information about the circumstances surrounding Dad’s death to please come forward and speak with police.
“As we continue to grieve and process this news, our family has requested privacy at this time.”
Earlier on Thursday, police released pictures of Mr McCarthy at Club York last Wednesday.
The pictures, captured between 12.30pm and 2.30pm on Wednesday, December 16, show Mr McCarthy near the entrance of the pub, wearing a striped rugby-style shirt and a satchel slung over his shoulder.
In one of the pictures, Mr McCarthy is seen facing an screen as daylight flows from an open door nearby.
Detectives would like to speak to anyone who has information that may be of use to them.
https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMimQFodHRwczovL3d3dy5uZXdzLmNvbS5hdS9uYXRpb25hbC9uc3ctYWN0L2NyaW1lL2Nvb2dlZS1tYW4tcGV0ZXItbWNjYXJ0aHktNzctZm91bmQtZGVhZC1sYXN0LXBpY3R1cmVzLXJlbGVhc2VkL25ld3Mtc3RvcnkvOGM5ZWM5NWQ5NWE4ZjgyODE0MTkzNDVhNDAwNTJmYjTSAZkBaHR0cHM6Ly9hbXAubmV3cy5jb20uYXUvbmF0aW9uYWwvbnN3LWFjdC9jcmltZS9jb29nZWUtbWFuLXBldGVyLW1jY2FydGh5LTc3LWZvdW5kLWRlYWQtbGFzdC1waWN0dXJlcy1yZWxlYXNlZC9uZXdzLXN0b3J5LzhjOWVjOTVkOTVhOGY4MjgxNDE5MzQ1YTQwMDUyZmI0?oc=5
2020-12-24 01:06:20Z
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