In a heartrending display of raw grief, Ilisapeci Naitini, the 30-year-old widow from Yalava, Sasa in Macuata, Fiji, has opened up about the devastating loss of her husband, Epineri “Epi” Naitini, following his fatal stabbing in Sydney, Australia. The 30-year-old father of two was killed in a violent attack just before dawn on December 28, 2025, at a home in Quakers Hill, leaving his family shattered and a close-knit Fijian community in mourning. As Ilisapeci speaks through her tears, she paints a picture of Epi not as a victim in sensational headlines, but as a dedicated family man who sacrificed everything to build a better life for his loved ones.

The tragedy unfolded in the early hours at the Illabo Street residence of Anaseini Waqavuki, a 38-year-old Fijian woman and mother who was also fatally stabbed in the incident. Epi, who had been spending time with friends including Waqavuki on Christmas Day, was found on the footpath outside with severe wounds to his stomach and hands. He was rushed to Liverpool Hospital but succumbed to his injuries hours later. Waqavuki was discovered lifeless in her kitchen, having suffered multiple stab wounds. New South Wales Police arrested 47-year-old Anare Vunitabua, Waqavuki’s former partner, who surrendered at Blacktown Police Station later that day. He faces two counts of murder and remains in custody, with his case adjourned until February 26, 2026. Authorities initially explored a possible love triangle motive, but investigations have clarified that Epi and Waqavuki were close friends and workmates, not romantically involved.

Epi and Ilisapeci’s love story began at university, culminating in their marriage in December 2022. Shortly after, Epi traveled to Australia on a student visa to work as a technician, sending money home weekly to support Ilisapeci and their daughters: Lavenia Kaloubula Naitini, aged 7, and Karalaini Tabua Volaunitoga Naitini, aged 2. The couple maintained a strong bond despite the distance, with daily video calls where Epi would check on the children and share moments of joy. On Christmas Day, Ilisapeci spoke to Waqavuki during one such call, exchanging warm greetings. But tragedy struck when Epi tried calling his wife around 1:30 a.m. on December 28 via Facebook Messenger—calls she missed while offline. Ilisapeci later learned of his death from her sister-in-law that evening, a moment she describes as shattering. “It hurts so much,” she shared, regretting not hearing his voice one last time.

Amid the pain, Ilisapeci has vehemently denied swirling rumors of infidelity, insisting Epi was faithful and that Waqavuki was simply a good friend. She calls for compassion from the public, urging an end to hurtful speculation that compounds her family’s suffering. Now facing the daunting task of raising her daughters alone, Ilisapeci, who paused her law studies at Fiji National University to care for the children, plans to resume her education and seek work in 2026. Epi’s body, along with Waqavuki’s, awaits post-mortem results before repatriation to Fiji for burial, with community fundraisers aiding the grieving families.

This double homicide highlights the vulnerabilities of migrant workers and the ripple effects of domestic disputes. Waqavuki, who left her three children in Fiji to pursue opportunities abroad, had ended her six-year relationship with Vunitabua two months prior, marked by cycles of reconciliation. Friends remember her as kind-hearted and forgiving, while Epi is eulogized as a pillar of strength. As investigations continue, Ilisapeci’s message resonates: grief has no words, but love endures. The Fijian diaspora rallies in support, turning sorrow into solidarity for those left behind.