Melbourne, Australia — In a tragic case that has shaken the community, two young boys were fatally attacked in the outer suburbs of Melbourne late Saturday night. Police suspect that the attacks, which resulted in the deaths of a 15-year-old and a 12-year-old, may stem from mistaken identity rather than any involvement in gang-related activities.
Authorities responded to a call at Marble Drive in Cobblebank shortly before 8 p.m. on Saturday, where they discovered a 12-year-old boy suffering from critical wounds. Although emergency responders attempted to revive him, he succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Shortly thereafter, a 15-year-old boy identified as Dau Akueng was found nearby on Cobble Street, also critically injured. He too died at the scene.
Elbino Akueng, father of the older victim, expressed his devastation upon learning of his son’s death. He described Dau as a promising young athlete with a passion for basketball and lamented the lack of information from police during the crucial hours following the incident. “This is a basketball player, he’s not a criminal,” he emphasized, pleading for answers from law enforcement.
Detective Inspector Graham Banks indicated that video surveillance shows multiple assailants, armed with machetes and other long weapons, in connection with both stabbings. He characterized the violence as indicative of youth gang crime but stressed that the victims were likely not affiliated with any gangs. “Mistaken identity is a possibility; it appears they were targeted,” he noted.
Witnesses and community members expressed shock and sadness over the brutal attack. Aboil Alor, a family friend who knew Dau through his basketball club, shared her heartbreak and urged authorities to pursue justice. “These children deserved a happy life,” she said. Alor echoed the community’s call for action and more effective measures to prevent such tragedies.
Residents are on edge following the violence, with concerns heightened by reports of recent attacks in the area. One neighbor described the attacks as particularly disturbing, revealing that security cameras captured the assault on video. The footage reportedly showed one of the victims being overwhelmed by several attackers, raising fears among families about safety in their neighborhood.
Opposition Leader Brad Battin condemned the government’s handling of crime in the region, labeling the incident “absolutely horrific.” He expressed alarm over the increasing violence targeting young people, questioning how such brutal acts could happen in suburban Victoria.
State government officials, including Minister Lily D’Ambrosio, voiced their condolences to the families affected by this “despicable crime.” She insisted that the government has been taking significant steps to address the issue of youth violence and is committed to improving public safety.
As the investigation unfolds, police are urging anyone with information to come forward. The families impacted by this tragic incident are left grappling with immense loss, while the community calls for justice and assurance of safety for their children.