35-year-old Abdul Basith died after he was allegedly stabbed when he is believed to have gone outside to check the power at his Brisbane home around 12:30 am on Wednesday while his family was asleep inside.
Mr Basith was found dead in the front yard of the house a short time later with multiple significant wounds.
Neighbours reported hearing a man shouting, with loud music, in the middle of the night.
Queensland police are investigating whether the power supply at Mr Basith’s home was tampered with to lure him out.
"We don't think there's a random person running through the streets of Brisbane," Detective Superintendent Tony Fleming said.
"There's certainly early indication that there might have been interference with electricity. But we haven't confirmed that yet. Certainly, something took him outside and in the course of whatever interaction he has died."
The India-born IT worker moved to Australia from Saudi Arabia and started an Indian and Middle-eastern restaurant.
A woman who worked next door from Mr Basith’s restaurant has started a GoFundMe campaign to help raise funds for his young family.
“For the last year, I have had the privilege of working next door to the wonderful owners of Sizza Restaurant,” Sapna Agdas Ahmed said.
“Abdul Basith tragically lost his life outside his home this morning, leaving four children behind. This Go Fund Me page has been set up his 4 beautiful children, to make their father's dream come true by ensuring a stable future for each and every one of them.”
So far, the campaign has collected nearly $30,000.
Members of the local community knew Mr Basith as a helpful man.
“He has helped many in need by providing them with support and was known as a generous person,” Islamic Council of Queensland spokesman Ali Kadri said.
“We pray that his family and friends can find patience to deal with this loss. We hope Queensland police can find the perpetrators and bring them to justice.”
Abdul’s friend Mohammed Hassim was shocked to learn about Mr Basith’s death.
He said the pair had been friends for more than 17 years.
“He’s a very good person, a very good person, he is always humble and very friendly,” Mr Hassim said.
Det Supt Fleming said there was “absolutely nothing” that indicated the murder was racially or religiously motivated.
