Clarkson murder: Nadi Moussa asked friends to pray for his son in lead-up to alleged stabbing death

A Clarkson father allegedly murdered by his son from a previous marriage had asked his friends to pray for his accused killer in the lead-up to his stabbing death. Loved ones and neighbours of the dead man said they were puzzled by how his son grew up into somebody accused of such a crime. Close friends described Nadi Moussa, 72, as a “gentle and kind” man after he was allegedly murdered at his Clarkson home on Tuesday morning. His 31-year-old son David Lami Nadi Moussa has been charged with murder, aggravated home burglary and aggravated grievous bodily harm. Mr Moussa’s 52-year-old wife, from his second marriage, and their six-year-old daughter were present at the Elsbury Approach property when David is accused of breaking inside. The girl may have witnessed the violence and David’s stepmother — who was injured while trying to intervene — remains in hospital. Emergency services were called to the address about 6.25am and Mr Moussa died near the front of his home. Members of Mr Moussa’s church said David had been living in Brisbane but had returned to Perth, where he lived as a child. It has not been confirmed when he arrived back in WA. Two members from the Perth Arabic Christian Church community said Mr Moussa had previously opened up his home to members of the community wanting to practise Christianity. He became a well-respected leader at his church and somebody they said “loved” his family and faith. “Every time we had a prayer meeting at brother Nadi’s house, every time he kept requesting us to pray for David . . . and we were all praying for him, for David,” churchgoer Mervat Mikhail said. “He was always supporting him, he was always there, but we don’t know exactly what’s happened.” Pastor Youssef Mikhail said it was comforting knowing that “brother Nadi” was now “with the Lord”. “We knew David as a child . . . as a church we are shocked.” he said. Pastor Mikhail said he had met Mr Moussa more than 20 years ago. He said the Moussa family had moved to Australia from Egypt, with some family now living in Queensland. “We cannot believe what happened, until now, it’s just like a dream or a nightmare,” he said. “As Christian families and as a culture, this has not happened before.” Mr Moussa delivered a 46-minute sermon in Arabic just three weeks before his death. That video was posted to social media following his passing. One of his other sons — David’s brother — paid respects to his father by sharing a short tribute in the comments. “Amen! Rest in peace Dad,” he said. Neighbours, who witnessed the incident, told The West Australian that David seemed like the “politest, nicest, young man”. Resident Dale Floyd said she believed David had been coming round for dinner once a week. “I’ve never heard one argument in all these years — nothing,” she said. “The little girl (his half sister) loved him so much, she would cry every time he left and she couldn’t bear to see him go.” Floral tributes have since been left at the Clarkson home for Mr Moussa’s wife. David Moussa faced Joondalup Magistrates Court on Wednesday. During the brief hearing, the 31-year-old, who was dressed in a white boiler suit, did not speak and only nodded to confirm his name. A duty lawyer indicated to the court they would be seeking a mental health assessment. He will face court later this month.