Seven teens arrested after pizza shop owner stabbed to death
A pizza shop owner described as a “lovely man” was stabbed to death outside his shop in Sydney’s west.
Seven teenagers were arrested after horrified onlookers called police, who are now investigating Sonmez Alagoz’s alleged murder.
The 58-year-old was working at The Pizza Stop in Kingswood when he was allegedly stabbed once in the chest late on Tuesday evening.
Police and paramedics tried to save his life but he was pronounced dead at Westmead Hospital just after midnight.
“This was a gentleman who had suffered a gruesome injury and required immediate assistance, which unfortunately was unsuccessful in the end,” Detective Superintendent Trent King, Nepean police area commander, said on Wednesday morning.
“Everything was done that could possibly be done to try and save the gentleman.
“Unfortunately, the wound was a fatal wound from the moment it occurred.”
Police have arrested seven teenagers aged between 14 and 19.
“It is very early in the investigation, and they are people of interest that we are speaking to,” King said.
“This is a gentleman who was going about his business … within the local area, and certainly, he didn’t deserve what occurred overnight.”
Alagoz’s nephew, Akin Alagoz told Nine News, “It’s sad...to see the tragedy that’s happened to us today.
“But we’ll stand strong by him. We’re his family, we’ll stick together, and we’ll always be around. We’ll always remember him as the pizza man and the kebab man.”
Locals were horrified as images of the taped-off pizzeria emerged on social media on Wednesday morning.
Turkish born Alagoz was well known around Kingswood and his pizzeria was popular among locals.
Police have established a strike force to investigate Alagoz’s death, with support from the homicide squad. He ran the shop with his wife Tia.
Police are urging anyone with CCTV or photographs to contact police or crime stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Jonathan Jackson, 6th February 2025
