Nearly 100 friends, family and community members gathered at a sunrise vigil to pay their respects to a local fisherman and father of three who was allegedly stabbed to death in a random attack.
Andres Pancha, 45, was fishing at Frankston Pier when he was allegedly attacked by homeless Forrest Stevenson, 36, just after 6am on June 29.
According to police, Mr Pancha did not know his alleged attacker. He has since been charged with murder.
On Saturday morning, local residents and family of Mr Pancha gathered at the same pier for a vigil.
“We are all brothers and sisters of Andrés, we want to thank everyone for coming, for those who have expressed their condolences, for those who have shown respect for my brother, for those who have offered prayers and support,” said Mr Pancha’s sisters.
“All your love and support really helps ease the family’s pain.”
Jodie Belyea, Federal MP for Dunkley, also attended the vigil where Jeff Buckley’s Hallelujah was played.
At the end of the pier, a floral tribute was laid for Mr Pancha as loved ones and fellow fishermen stood with their rods wiping away tears as they braved the freezing cold.
A sunrise vigil was held for suspected murdered fisherman Andres Pancha
Andres Pancha, 45, (pictured with family) was fishing at Frankston Pier when he was allegedly attacked by homeless Forrest Stevenson, 36, just after 6am on June 29
Mr. Pancha’s loved ones said earlier in a message on GoFundMe.
“It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the tragic passing of our beloved friend, brother, father, husband and cousin Andres,” the statement read.
“He was (allegedly) senselessly attacked by an unknown assailant while doing something he loved: fishing. This unimaginable (allegedly) act has left our family devastated and in deep sorrow. His absence leaves an irreplaceable void in our lives.
“In honor of Andres’ memory, we ask that you keep his spirit alive by cherishing your loved ones and spreading kindness wherever you go.”
Stevenson was arrested on the nearby shoreline shortly after the alleged attack, with Mr Pancha found unconscious on the pier.
Nearly 100 people gathered for the vigil on Saturday morning
Flowers were left for the beloved father of three
Filipino father of three Andres Pancha, 45, was remembered at a sunrise vigil on Saturday
Father of three reportedly murdered last weekend
According to police, the men were not known to each other.
Mr Pancha visited the fishing spot in south-eastern Victoria once or twice a week.
His friend and former colleague Lee Seddon paid tribute to the beloved fisherman via social media.
“I had the pleasure of working with Andres Pancha and sailing on the Iron Chieftain. He was a true gentleman. He loved his fishing and his young family,” he said.
“It’s so shocking to hear that he was taken so young and in such a horrible way.
‘Good wind and calm sea.’
Another friend said he had only recently spoken to Mr. Pancha.
“Still young and already gone, RIP Andres Pancha. We will miss you,” said Cor Glover.
Forrest Stevenson, 36, of no fixed address, promotes himself on social media as an amateur artist who tattoos his own body. He has been charged with murder
Stevenson has no fixed address and promotes himself on social media as an amateur artist who tattoos his own body.
He appeared in court in Melbourne last Sunday wearing a disposable mask and a black T-shirt.
Kate Lynch, Detective Chief Inspector of the Homicide Squad, told the court it took police 12 weeks to put together a piece of evidence.
Normally the process takes six weeks, but the court was told an extension was needed to allow the pathology and DNA test reports to be completed.
Stevenson was held until November 6.
Judge Marc Sargent told the court the defendant needed immediate medical attention to make his time in custody “more comfortable”.