Two charged with home invasion murder of Kalim Saliba had 'distant ties' to victim - 9News

Two men charged with murdering an elderly Sydney businessman in his own home nearly three years ago allegedly broke in with the intention of stealing from the family.

Kalim Saliba, 86, suffered serious head injuries while defending his wife during the alleged home invasion on Tallowwood Avenue in Cherrybrook on April 29, 2020.

He was taken to Westmead Hospital, where he later died.

Kalim Saliba (right) died after he and his wife were attacked in their home in Cherrybrook. (9News)

Saliba's wife Josephine, 84, also suffered head injuries but recovered in hospital.

Detectives arrested a 33-year-old man at a unit in Castle Hill about 9am today.

A 58-year-old man was arrested at Silverwater jail this morning.

Both men were charged with murder and specially aggravated break and enter to commit a serious indictable offence.

They were both refused bail to appear in court today.

Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty said the men had distant ties to the couple.

Police will allege it was a targeted robbery, with Saliba a well-known businessman in the area.

"They would have seen him as an easy target for money ... it also demonstrates how callous, craven and cowardly this act was, picking on an elderly couple in their own home," Doherty said.

"This was committed on two elderly, vulnerable people in their own home."

Two men have been charged with the murder of Kalim Saliba. A 33-year-old man (pictured) was arrested in Castle Hill. (NSW Police)

Doherty said Saliba, a beloved husband, grandfather and father, was "brutally" and "horrifically" attacked.

"We have pieced together what police will allege is a strong circumstantial case against these two men and this is the first step of a long judicial process," he said.

Doherty alleged the men acted in a "joint criminal enterprise".

"Police allege a blunt instrument was used to cause serious head injuries to both husband and wife," he said.

Doherty said the $1 million reward announced in December 2021 for information had helped lead to the arrests.

He said detectives were meticulous with their investigation over the last few years and were providing support to the family.

Both men were refused bail to appear in court today. (NSW Police)

Kalim Saliba was a well-known businessman in the area. (NSW Police)

The Saliba family said they were extremely thankful to police for their persistence over the past three years.

"We have full confidence in the investigation team and appreciate their support and hard work," the family said in a statement.

"This has understandably been a traumatic and emotional time for our family.

"We lost a treasured family member, and continue to grieve the loss every day.

"While the courts process is underway, our family requests privacy at this time."

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2023-04-12 10:50:38Z
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