Two weeks on, police stumped over motive for dad's 'vicious murder'
Police still believe the "extremely disturbing" killing of a 57-year-old father in Melbourne's north-east last month was a targeted attack but two weeks on they remain stumped over the motive.
Vincent Chi, 57, the owner of the China Bar restaurant at Northland Shopping Centre, Preston, was found dead at his home in Templestowe Lower about 11.20pm on Friday, January 31.
Vincent Chi was slain at his Lower Templestowe home.
Mr Chi's son discovered his body, which police said had been the subject of a "very violent" and "vicious" attack using a weapon that has not yet been found.
On Thursday police released photos of vehicles that were in the area around the time of the attack, along with a video of Mr Chi leaving the shopping centre carrying a black bag which held what police believe was the day's takings from his restaurant.
"That Friday was a particularly warm night and it's likely there would have been a number of people still out and about around 9.30pm," said homicide squad detective Senior Sergeant Pixie Fuhrmeister.
"We are hoping that some of these people may have seen something that can assist us with solving this vicious murder."
The black bag containing the restaurant's takings from the day, which remains missing.Credit:Victoria Police
The bag remains missing and police hope it will provide a clue to discovering the perpetrators, with leads still limited even two weeks after Mr Chi was killed.
"Police have ... released a photo of a similar bag in the hope that someone can recall seeing someone carrying it in the area or to keep an eye out if the bag has been dumped in the area," Senior Sergeant Fuhrmeister said.
"Detectives are keen to speak to anyone who may have information about a possible motive for Yoke Onn [Vincent] Chi’s death or who might be responsible."
An information caravan will be set up on Michael Street, Templestowe Lower – the street where Mr Chi lived – between 8pm and 11pm on Friday night.
They are appealing for anybody who was in the area between 9pm and 11pm on January 31 to contact police as they may be able to provide useful information.
Screenshots from CCTV of three vehicles driving on Michael Street close to when Mr Chi arrived home at 9.31pm have also been released.
Mr Chi lived alone but was visited frequently by family at his home about 10 kilometres from his restaurant, according to police.
Neighbours described him as "very nice", "softly spoken" and not a violent man.
CCTV footage of a van that drove near Mr Chi's house around when he was murdered, which police say may have more information.Credit:Victoria Police
Police also want to speak to any residents who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously in the area or who may have disturbed someone in their yard.
Mr Chi's daughter, Ella, said the day after the murder it was "still like dreaming".
"[I] can't believe it's real ... he [her younger brother] just found his body in front of the door," she said.
"Only three of us left as a family ... finally he can meet my mum at the heaven."
Another vehicle that was in the area and may have more information.Credit:Victoria Police