Drill rapper Jacob Tammer-Spence, 33, has been sentenced to a maximum of eight years and three months in prison for the manslaughter of rugby league player Sitaleki 'Leki' Filihiahekava. The fatal stabbing occurred outside a fast-food restaurant in Sydney in September 2024.
Justice Richard Cavanagh handed down the sentence in the NSW Supreme Court on Friday, noting that the confrontation between Tammer-Spence and Mr. Filihiahekava lasted only 30 seconds. Tammer-Spence had pleaded guilty to manslaughter, having stated he feared for his life when Mr. Filihiahekava, 32, approached him near a Guzman y Gomez restaurant. Tammer-Spence claimed Mr. Filihiahekava accused him of involvement in a barbershop shooting from a year prior and threatened him.
Justice Cavanagh acknowledged that no firearm was found at the scene and accepted that Mr. Filihiahekava was not carrying one. Tammer-Spence admitted to taking full responsibility for killing Mr. Filihiahekava and acknowledged his actions were excessive when he used his knife. The judge emphasized the dangers of carrying knives, which significantly elevate the risk of violence and death.
“It is almost inexplicable the offender chose to take a knife with him just to get some takeaway from down the road,” Justice Cavanagh stated. The court heard that Tammer-Spence's decision to carry a knife was influenced by fear and hypervigilance stemming from post-traumatic stress disorder. He had experienced prolonged exposure to violence and developed a substance use disorder.
Tammer-Spence's criminal history, which includes convictions for armed robbery and an assault on a cellmate while in custody, was taken into account. However, the judge found that his moral culpability was reduced by his deprived background and mental health issues. Tammer-Spence has expressed remorse for his actions, telling the court in August, “I feel horrible, I don't wish death on anyone.”
With time served, Tammer-Spence will be eligible for parole in April 2030. Members of Mr. Filihiahekava's family were emotional as the sentence was delivered. They provided a family statement describing their “unimaginable grief” and the profound impact of the “senseless killing” on their lives.