‘I pray you both rest’: Couple allegedly murdered at Western Sydney takeaway shop identified

by Admin
November 30, 2024

The son of a couple who were found dead inside their takeaway shop in Sydney’s west has faced court charged with murdering his parents.

Hoa Tek Chiem, 69, and his wife, Kim Heang Gau, 68, were found by a family member in their Buzzy Bee’s Burger House at Cambridge Park, near Penrith, at 9:40am on Saturday.

Allan Chiem, 31, from Canley Heights, has been charged with two counts of domestic violence murder.

On Sunday, the Parramatta Local Court heard Mr Chiem did not apply for bail and will remain in custody.

Allan Chiem did not apply for bail. (ABC News: Berge Breiland)

The ABC understands Mr Chiem worked for his parent’s takeaway business as a part-time bookkeeper.

Representing Mr Chiem, lawyer Mohamed Sakr told the court there may be a release application during his client’s next court hearing.

“There are issues that need to be [addressed] by a professional and I can flag on the next occasion a release application may be made on the basis of rehabilitation,” Mr Sakr said.

Police outside Buzzy Bees Burger House where the body of a man and woman were found inside — The bodies were found at a shop at Cambridge Park in Sydney’s west.
(ABC News: Berge Breiland)

Outside court, Mr Sakr told the media that any “underlying issues” would need to be addressed by corrective services.

“A professional will be engaged for the purpose of assessing my client’s mental health,” Mr Sakr said.

“There’s no place in our community for domestic violence and I appreciate that and I accept that; it’s quite a distraught … set of circumstances.

“But every accused deserves representation, every accused deserves to be in the justice system and if there are underlying issues, those need to be [addressed].”

Mr Chiem will face court again in January.

‘I pray you both rest easy’

Floral tributes and messages have been left outside the takeaway shop.

A woman lays flowers. — Locals have begun leaving floral tributes by the shop front. (ABC News: Berge Breiland)

One message paid tribute to the well-known couple’s dedication to their business.

“For 29 years, seven day a week — rain, hail or shine — they dedicated themselves to this place,” the message said.

“Today, we mourn the loss of two remarkable individuals.

“The community has lost something truly special, but their legacy will live on in our hearts forever.”

Another message said: “I pray you both rest easy.”

Locals are planning to hold a memorial for the couple this coming Saturday.

A candle is placed near floral tributes. — Locals say the couple owned Buzzy Bee’s Burger House for more than two decades. (ABC News: Berge Breiland)

On Saturday, Detective Superintendent Michael Cantrell said the family member who discovered the couple came across a “confronting scene”.

Footage possibly relating to the alleged murders was shared to social media, according to Superintendent Cantrell.

“I’m aware there is footage around, and it’s been through social media, and we’re looking into that and looking at all lines of inquiry,” he said on Saturday.

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