David Dick, 36, was found dead in a Westfield shopping centre car park on Friday morning
Police have issued CCTV footage of a man they want to speak to after a tradesman was hacked to death in a Westfield shopping centre car park in Melbourne[5].
Investigators believe a sword-like 'edged weapon' was used to slash David Dick's throat as he walked to work early on Friday morning.
In the security video released by Victoria Police, a man is seen walking out of the car park in Doncaste r and getting into an elevator while carrying a large, yellow bag.
Detective Inspector Michael Hughes claimed the footage, taken the day before the murder, suggests that Mr Dick, 36, may have been the victim of a targeted attack.
Det Insp Hughes added that police had been handed more CCTV footage, this time showing the attack on Mr Dick at about 6am on Friday.
'There is no known motive for the attack. It was vicious. [The attacker] watched him get into the lift and he struck him without warning before exiting the elevator,' Det Insp Hughes said.
'It was a vicious attack and David was never given the opportunity to defend himself.'
Det Insp Hughes added that the killer was injured in the 'targeted attack', possibly explaining a trail of blood that led out of the car park.
He said there would likely be a 'connection' between Mr Dick and his killer, but that police were still investigating.
'You don't spend time watching someone - this isn't a random attack - this is a planned attack,' he said.
Police have issued CCTV footage of a man they want to speak to after David Dick was hacked to death in a Westfield shopping centre car park in Melbourne
The officer added that footage seen by police suggested the weapon used was of a similar shape to a sword. The weapon has not been found.
Mr Dick, a concrete layer, had been walking through the shopping centre to catch a bus to work whe n he was killed.
He was found dying in the elevator by a fitness group on Friday morning. He appeared to have upper body injuries and streams of blood were seen coming from his neck.
A personal trainer heard 'grunting' noises coming from the lift before the doors opened to the sight of a man lying in a pool of his own blood.
'It was horrific — I can't even begin to explain what it's like to see a human body that had been so severely hurt,' the woman told the Herald Sun[6].
< p class="mol-para-with-font">'The guy wasn't talking, he was unconscious. There was blood everywhere ... it was a gruesome, gruesome find.'Another witness told radio station 3AW[7]: 'There was a lot of blood in the elevator ... probably slashing of throats, I don't know.'
Despite the efforts of those who found him, Mr Dick could not be saved.
In the security video released by Victoria Police, a man is seen walking out of the car park in Doncaster and getting into an elevator while carrying a large, yellow bag
Detective Inspector Michael Hughes claimed the footage, taken the day before the murder, suggests that Mr Dick, 36, may have been the victim of a targeted attack
His distraught mother, Carol Cloke, broke down in tears as she paid tribute to her son on Tuesday.
'Why did this happen? My son has been murdered,' she said, sobbing.
'I don't live in Melbourne but I speak to my sons every week and David was the most beautiful, fun-loving, magical person and we all loved him so much.
'He had an enormous strength of character. He played football and cricket in Melbourne.
'I don't know what else to say about my son. All I know is I'll never see him again.'
Mr Dick had dinner with last week with his uncle, John Hird, who said he was fine.
'We just talked about his job,' John said. He had got himself extremely fit. He was doing gym work and we just talked about life in general. He didn't seem to be stressed by anything. He was extremely happy.
'He had started to establish a relationship with a girl that I hoped would give him an extra part of his life.'
Heartbroken: Mr Dick's distraught mother, Carol Cloke, broke down in tears as she paid tribute to her son on Tuesday
Mr Dick's body was found in the car park lift of a Melbourne Westfield shopping centre
Mr Dick's brother added that he wanted to thank the people who tried to save his beloved sibling.
'I'm angry because no one deserves to be treated like that,' he said.
'I ask everyone who sees this: If you know who that person is, would you please come forward to speak to the police because it's wrong.
'I'm not saying David was an angel but nobody deserves that.'
Police described the man they want to speak to as white, about 30 years old and 176cm in height. He is of solid build and has mousy brown hair.
Anyone who recognises the man or with further information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
