Homicide Squad detectives are appealing for public information following the suspicious death of Antonio 'Tony' Salaris in Kilsyth yesterday morning.
The 73-year-old retiree was seen lying on the ground being attacked by an unknown man near his property on Browning Street shortly before 9am on 21 August.
During the altercation Tony was fatally stabbed.
His body was located outside a neighbouring property on Browning Street.
The unknown man has then fled from the scene and neighbours contacted police.
Tony had been home alone at the time and the exact circumstances leading up to the fatal stabbing are unknown.
At this stage, there is nothing to indicate that the offender was known to Tony.
Detectives are keen to talk to anyone who witnessed the incident or has any further information about the man involved.
Investigators would also like to speak to all residents of Browning Street and the immediate vicinity, as well as anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity between 6am and 10am yesterday morning in the area bordered by the following:
• Mount Dandenong Road, between Trawalla Road and Hawthory Road;
• Russo Place and Mountain View Road to Leonard Road;
• Shelley Avenue; and
• Colchester Road between Mount Dandenong Road and Greeves Drive, including the Kilsyth Recreation Reserve.
Detectives are continuing to canvas the area for footage and anyone who may have residential CCTV and hasn't already spoken to police or anyone who was driving around that area who has dash-cam footage is urged to come forward.
Officer in charge of the Homicide Squad, Detective Inspector Tim Day, said even the smallest piece of information could be crucial.
"At this stage we don't know why Tony has been killed and we are working to piece together what has happened in the lead up to him being stabbed," he said.
"This is a quiet residential area, so if anyone has seen anything usual then we'd like to hear from you. This could be a person or vehicle that is not usually in the street.
"If you have seen something or have any information about this incident and why it has occurred, then we urge you to come forward and speak to police."
Police have today released a photo of Tony in the hope people may recognise him and potentially provide information about his movements leading up to the altercation and stabbing.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
