Melbourne, Australia — The tragic deaths of two children due to stabbings in the outer-western suburb of Cobblebank are being investigated as a potential case of mistaken identity, police say. The victims, aged 15 and 12, were attacked late Saturday night in what authorities believe to be a connected series of incidents.
Emergency services responded to reports of a serious injury at Marble Drive shortly before 8 p.m. Upon arrival, they found a 12-year-old boy critically injured. Despite efforts to revive him, he was declared dead at the scene. Moments later, authorities discovered 15-year-old Dau Akueng suffering from severe wounds on Cobble Street. He also succumbed shortly thereafter.
Dau’s father, Elbino Akueng, revealed that he learned about the incident from his daughter while at work and rushed home for answers. However, he felt left in the dark by law enforcement until the early hours of Sunday morning. “This is a basketball player, he’s not a criminal,” he said, expressing disbelief over the violence that claimed his son’s life.
Next-door neighbors and local residents echoed his sentiments, grappling with the shock of such violence in their community. A family friend, Aboil Alor, described Dau as a bright, caring boy and called for justice on behalf of the families affected. “We deserve better,” she said, pleading with authorities to bring accountability for the rising violence that has plagued their neighborhood.
Detective Inspector Graham Banks is heading the investigation and stated that evidence from CCTV footage suggests a group of individuals wearing masks and wielding machetes may have been responsible for the ambush. Banks noted the brutal nature of the attacks and remarked that they exhibit characteristics of youth gang violence, although it is unlikely that the victims were gang members.
The police are currently pursuing eight suspects believed to be older than the victims. As the investigation continues, Banks indicated a growing concern about targeted attacks potentially stemming from mistaken identity. “There have been occasions where people have been targeted by mistaken identity,” he said, adding that the nature of the incident points toward a more complex gang-related motive.
The ongoing fear felt by the community was palpable, with local parents expressing anxiety about their children’s safety. Neighbors commented on the alarming frequency of violent incidents in the area, suggesting that previously recorded attacks had raised concerns about gang activities.
Opposition Leader Brad Battin condemned the increasing violence, labeling the attacks as “absolutely horrific” and criticizing the state government for what he termed a failure to address the escalating crime rate. In a recently organized press conference, state government minister Lily D’Ambrosio expressed her condolences to the families and characterized the stabbings as “despicable” acts.
As the investigation unfolds, Victoria Police are urging anyone with information to come forward. Authorities plan to hold a briefing to provide further updates on the case, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in combating the crime wave that has unsettled the region.