Santosh Kumar Boojhawon: Man charged over fatal stabbing at home on Dimitrios Court in Hocking

A former university student has faced court in a blue forensic jumpsuit after being charged with murder over a fatal stabbing in Hocking on Tuesday morning. Santosh Kumar Boojhawon, 27, appeared in Joondalup Magistrates Court on Wednesday charged over the death of Richard Bezant, 58, after police were called to a property on Dimitrios Court about 6.45am. Emergency services received reports that Mr Bezant had been stabbed in the neck region. The weapon allegedly used is unknown. Responding paramedics attended to the man before he was taken to Joondalup Health Campus, but he could not be saved. Mr Boojhawon only spoke to confirm his name and to say he understood the charge on Wednesday. “I understand that charge,” he said, before turning to the duty lawyer representing him. The young man was dressed in a blue forensic jumpsuit and was looking around the courtroom before he was whisked away into custody. His locked Instagram profile says he is originally from Mauritius and had pursued studies at Curtin University. He will face Stirling Gardens Magistrates Court on October 29. Police allege Mr Boojhawon attended the Hocking address earlier that morning before a physical altercation erupted, in which the 58-year-old was stabbed. Both men were known to each other, according to police. Resident Simone, who didn’t want her surname used and who lives across the road, told The West she saw paramedics rush the stabbed man into an ambulance. “We knew something happened but we weren’t sure … we saw him get raced off,” she said. “I’ve had about 25 people call me because they know we live in a cul-de-sac. “It’s just sad.” Simone said the alleged victim is believed to have rented part of the property where he was found with critical injuries. She didn’t believe the owners had anything to do with the incident. Simone said she didn’t associate with the victim and said she had previously called police on him. The cul-de-sac was cordoned off by police, with detectives and forensics in blue jumpsuits seen outside a home near Wanneroo Road. Forensics appeared to be focusing on an area around a caravan parked near the front of the property. A large police van was stationed outside the home and multiple police cars, including an undercover vehicle, are also parked throughout the street. Investigators urge anyone who was in the area at the time, or who has CCTV footage, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Reports can be made anonymously.