Second man charged as investigations continue into fatal stabbing - Belmore

Wednesday, 23 July 2025 11:10:52 AM

A second person has been charged over his alleged role following the fatal stabbing of a man in Sydney’s south-west earlier this year.

About 9pm on Saturday 15 March 2025, emergency services were called to a home on Lakemba Street, Belmore, following reports of a concern for welfare.

Officers from Campsie Police Area Command attended along with NSW Ambulance paramedics where a man was found unresponsive, with medical assistance provided by a second man.

The man died at the scene, and he has since been identified as 34-year-old James Pakis.

The second man, aged 24, was taken to Concord Hospital for treatment and later released.

A post-mortem examination established James had suffered multiple stab wounds.

Officers attached to Campsie Police Area Command, with assistance from the State Crime Command's Homicide Squad, established Strike Force Sandilands to investigate his death and have conducted extensive inquiries.

Following inquiries, a 21-year-old man was arrested after attending Bankstown Police Station on Monday 17 March 2025.

He was charged with murder and remains before the courts.

Following a public appeal, a black Honda Jazz was recovered on Tuesday 24 June 2025 after being located parked at Dapto Railway Station. The vehicle was seized for forensic examination.

Following further inquiries, detectives executed a search warrant at a home in Brownsville, near Dapto, just after 8am yesterday (Tuesday 22 July 2025).

About 12.40pm, a 21-year-old man was arrested nearby on Prince Edward Drive.

He was taken to Lake Illawarra Police Station and charged with hinder investigation serious indictable offence of other and driver not disclose identity of driver/passenger as required.

He was granted conditional bail to appear at Bankstown Local Court on Tuesday 12 August 2025.

Investigations under Strike Force Sandilands continue.

^