Homicide detectives were appealing for the 44-year-old to hand himself in for questioning after the death of his 75-year-old mother Violet and had released his image publicly.

That image was soon broadcast by news media across the state, including on the television above the coffee machine at Caffe Crema on Patterson Road when Mr Tamvakis walked in.

The cafe's owner, Maurizio Brusco, had been keeping a close eye on the news because the death happened so nearby. He recognised Mr Tamvakis immediately.

"I wanted to have a look at the news to get an update on what happened. Then his picture came on the screen as he walked in," he said.

To avoid tipping off Mr Tamvakis, Maurizio quickly switched off the television and figured out ways to stall him so they could call the police.

Cleverly, he offered Mr Tamvakis a free latte, with caramel flavouring, and invited him to sit at the counter.

"When we were sure he was the right person, we tried to get him to relax and have chat," Maurizio said. "He liked soccer and martial arts so we spoke about that."

As the conversation was taking place, staff members cleared the cafe of customers and called the police to tell them they had found their man.

Minutes later, police arrived, checked Mr Tamvakis' ID and arrested him.

Maurizio said Mr Tamvakis appeared to be tired and did not struggle.

"He didn't do anything; he didn't react when the cops came in. He just gave up," he said.

Maurizio wasn't sure why Mr Tamvakis came into his cafe, so close to where Violet lived.

Caffe Crema is a little over a kilometre from the brick house where Violet was found by her daughter on Tuesday brutally bashed to death.

Mr Tamvakis has not been charged by police. He was still in custody on Thursday morning as police continue to make inquiries.