Friends Dispute ‘Love Triangle’ Claim in Tragic Quakers Hill Double Murder

By The Global Herald Staff January 3, 2026

In a heartbreaking development, friends and family of the victims in a fatal stabbing in Sydney’s Quakers Hill have rejected police’s initial suggestion of a romantic love triangle, insisting the incident was rooted in domestic violence following a recent breakup.

Anaseini Waqavuki, 38, a devoted mother who had moved from Fiji to Australia seeking a better life, was found dead in the kitchen of her Illabo Street home just before 5am on Sunday, December 28, 2025, suffering multiple stab wounds. Epi Naitini, 30, described by loved ones as a close friend and housemate, was discovered critically injured on the footpath outside, with stab wounds to his stomach and hands. He was rushed to Liverpool Hospital but succumbed to his injuries hours later.

Anare Vunitabua, 47, Ms Waqavuki’s former partner of six years, has been charged with two counts of murder. He allegedly handed himself in at Blacktown Police Station shortly after the incident and appeared briefly in court on Monday, where bail was refused. His next court appearance is scheduled for February 2026.

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Accused killer Anare Vunitabua remains in custody over alleged …

Caption: Anare Vunitabua, 47, the accused in the Quakers Hill double murder case. (Credit: News Corp Australia)

Initial police statements indicated the deaths may have stemmed from a domestic incident involving a love triangle, with Superintendent Jason Joyce noting that the deceased pair were believed to be in a relationship, and Vunitabua a former partner of Ms Waqavuki. However, this narrative has been strongly contested by those closest to the victims.

Ms Waqavuki’s best friend, Alisi Tuilevu, told media outlets that the police information was incorrect. “Epi was just a friend – a happily married man with a wife and children back in Fiji,” she said. Mr Naitini’s widow, Ilisapeci Naitini, echoed this, rejecting rumours of an affair that had spread on social media and caused further pain to her family. “My husband was a devoted father; he called us every day. Anaseini was our friend too – we spoke on video calls, even on Christmas Day.”

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Anaseini Waqavuki identified as Quakers Hill double murder victim …

Caption: Anaseini Waqavuki, 38, remembered as a loving mother and provider for her family. (Credit: Daily Telegraph/News Corp)

Mr Naitini, who worked in Australia to support his young daughters in Fiji, was reportedly at the home for a casual gathering the night before. Friends described the pair as part of a tight-knit Fijian community in Sydney, where they shared accommodation platonically. “There was no romance,” one acquaintance emphasised. “This was about jealousy after she ended a controlling relationship two months ago.”

Neighbours reported hearing screams and a commotion in the early hours, prompting emergency calls. Police recovered a knife from a nearby service station in Woodcroft, believed to be the weapon used. Crime scenes were established at the home, the service station, and a Blacktown address linked to the accused.

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Man charged over alleged domestic violence double murder in Sydney

Caption: Police at the crime scene on Illabo Street, Quakers Hill, following the fatal stabbing. (Credit: MSN/7NEWS)

The Fijian community in Australia and back home has been plunged into grief. Ms Waqavuki leaves behind children in Fiji, for whom a GoFundMe has been set up to cover funeral costs and support. Her niece Georgina Bulewa described her as “a loving aunt, daughter, sister, and mother whose kindness touched everyone.” Family members are working to bring her children to Perth for the funeral.

Tributes for Mr Naitini highlight his role as a caring husband and father. His widow has called for compassion amid the rumours, saying the false love triangle narrative has compounded their sorrow.

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SYDNEY STABBING VICTIM’S WIFE CALLS FOR COMPASSION AMID RUMOURS …

Caption: Epi Naitini, 30, with his wife Ilisapeci during happier times. (Credit: Fiji Sun/Facebook)

All three individuals were part of Sydney’s vibrant Fijian diaspora, many of whom relocate for work opportunities while maintaining strong family ties back home. Community leaders have highlighted the tragedy as a stark reminder of domestic violence risks, urging greater support for victims.

“This wasn’t about a love triangle,” a family spokesperson said. “It was domestic violence – plain and simple. Anaseini had bravely left a difficult relationship, and now her children grow up without her.”

Investigations continue, with police appealing for any witnesses. The case has reignited discussions on domestic violence in migrant communities, with support services noting a spike in awareness following high-profile incidents.

Ms Waqavuki and Mr Naitini are survived by their families in Fiji and Australia. Their deaths have left an indelible mark on those who knew them as hardworking, joyful individuals dedicated to providing for loved ones far away.