A 36-year-old mechanic is the subject of an arrest warrant after a support worker was found dead at his home, triggering a dramatic interstate police pursuit that ended in a crash.
Body Discovered in Early Hours
Velvet Pesu, 46, was discovered with injuries on the back deck of a property on Waterford Tamborine Road in Buccan, south of Brisbane, at around 3.15am on Monday. The mother, believed to have young daughters, had been reported missing by her family after she was last seen on Sunday.
The house was the residence of Wael Abdallah Saleem Alfar, a 36-year-old mechanic. When police attended the address, Alfar was not present, prompting an urgent search to locate him.
Dramatic Interstate Police Pursuit
Officers tracked Alfar to northern New South Wales, where he allegedly refused to pull over for police. This initiated a high-speed car chase covering approximately 80 kilometres. The pursuit ended when Alfar crashed into a culvert in Kempsey.
In court, Magistrate Lisa Viney refused bail, noting Alfar allegedly reached speeds of up to 200km/h and 'swerved harshly, directly at police'. He has pleaded guilty to police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously, and indicated a guilty plea to driving while suspended.
Alfar, originally from Jordan, is currently remanded in custody in NSW. He is due to return to Coffs Harbour Local Court for sentencing on these traffic matters on February 25. Queensland Police have stated they will seek his extradition once the NSW matters are finalised.
Tributes Pour in for 'Bright Light' Victim
The community is mourning the loss of Velvet Pesu, described by loved ones as a 'bright light' who 'only radiated love and light for others'. A talented singer-songwriter, musician, and visual artist, she was considered a respected elder in her community and had performed at events like the Woodford Folk Festival.
Ms Pesu was also the director of the charity Heart Health Foundation, which provides meals and music therapy to homeless people. The Presynct bar, where she performed last year, said they were 'deeply saddened', recalling her 'powerful, soulful, and utterly unforgettable' voice.
One friend posted online: 'How is this even possible! A light so bright dimmed by violence... Shattered for you and our babies.' Another added: 'She loved life and loved her daughters fiercely. She still had so much life to live.'
Meanwhile, it is reported that Alfar had moved from Blacktown in Sydney's west, where he owned Joseph Auto Services, to Queensland, leaving behind an ex-wife and children he had not contacted for over three years.
