25 February 2021

Man charged with murder, two counts of attempted murder over weekend incident in Page

| Albert McKnight
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Crime scene in Page

Wajid Kakar has been charged with murder over the incident in Page on 20 February. Photo: Morgan McGoogan.

Wajid Kakar, a 35-year-old Afghan national, has been charged with murder over the death of 34-year-old Michael Williams, as well as the attempted murder of two other people in Page on Saturday.

The Australian Federal Police said officers were called to Braine Street over reports of a disturbance on Saturday. A man who allegedly rushed towards police was tasered before they discovered the deceased man, Mr Williams.

On Monday, the AFP said three people, two men aged 28 and 35, and a 20-year-old woman remained in hospital receiving treatment for injuries they received during this incident.

They confirmed the 35-year-old had been arrested.

“Police believe the [alleged] offender used at least two knives in the initial attack. A crime scene remains in place in Braine Street while the forensic investigation of the area continues,” the police said.

“More than 20 witnesses have already been interviewed by detectives and a search warrant has been executed at the residence where the dead man was located.”

READ ALSO Police seek cyclist who may have witnessed Page incident

Mr Kakar appeared in the ACT Magistrates Court today (25 February) via telephone as he remains in Canberra Hospital.

Magistrate Peter Morrison formally charged him with murdering Mr Williams, as well as the attempted murder of two other people in the incident.

Mr Kakar did not enter pleas and did not apply for bail, and Magistrate Morrison said he was to be remanded in custody to appear in court on 12 March.

The defendant did not speak during the bail hearing, but his Legal Aid lawyer said he was nodding to him when answering questions.

READ ALSO One man stabbed to death and three in hospital with “horrific injuries” after incident at Page

Earlier on Thursday, ACT Police said they wanted to identify a cyclist who was on a footpath adjacent to Braine Street around the time of the incident.

Police said witnesses reported a man running out of a house in Braine Street yelling at a cyclist who was riding along the footpath at around 8:50 am wearing cyclist-style clothing.

Investigators wish to speak to this cyclist who may have pertinent information about what they observed as they rode past.

Anyone who may have any information about the incident can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website, by quoting reference 6737571. Information can be provided anonymously.

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