Heidelberg West death: Teens charged with murder

Police have charged eight teens following the death of a man who was fatally stabbed.

Eight teenagers have been charged following the death of a man and the kidnapping of another in Melbourne.

Police will allege a man was fatally assaulted and stabbed in Heidelberg West on October 16.

Emergency services were called to North Crescent just after 3.30pm after reports of an assault.

Police will allege up to ten offenders in two vehicles arrived at the property shortly after 3.30pm, before fatally assaulting a 25-year-old Thomastown man.

The man died at the scene despite the efforts of paramedics.

The teen boys, aged between 16 years to 19 years old, then allegedly fled in one vehicle.

A 20-year-old Reservoir man, who police will allege was the victim of an earlier kidnapping, was located inside the remaining vehicle.

Victorian Police arrested three teens at Melbourne Airport following the death of a 25-year-old man in Heidelberg West. Picture Jay Town.

Police have made nine arrests since October 19 in relation to the investigation, executing ten search warrants in Melbourne’s north and arresting four at Melbourne Airport.

Homicide Squad Detective Inspector Dean Thomas said violence will never be tolerated in Victoria.

“I know many will be horrified by the young age of those arrested but let me make this clear – we will be relentless in pursuing anyone responsible for this level of violence and age will be no barrier to that,” he said.

“Carrying knives will result in tragic outcomes for all parties concerned and the ramifications are severe and life changing.

“A young man has senselessly lost his life, and a significant number of families now face a lifetime of grieving.

“A heartbroken family deserves justice, and this is a strong and demonstrable statement that for those choosing to engage in this type of violent and senseless crime, we will be relentless in our pursuit of you.

“It’s critical that those who choose to engage in this kind of violent behaviour understand that they will be identified. Police will ensure that all necessary resources are utilised to identify those responsible and hold them to account.”

Homicide Squad Detective Inspector Dean Thomas says the death of a 25-year-old Thomastown man was a ‘senseless crime’. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Crosling

Five have been charged with murder and kidnapping, including:

• A 17-year-old boy who was arrested at Melbourne Airport on October 26;
• A 17-year-old boy who was arrested at Melbourne Airport on November 1;
• A 19-year-old Preston man who was arrested on 2 November. He was remanded to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on January 20, 2023;
• A 17-year-old boy who was arrested on November 3, and;
• A 17-year-old boy who was arrested at Melbourne airport last night, November 15

Three others were charged with kidnapping, including:

• An 18-year-old Heidelberg West man who was arrested at Melbourne Airport on 19 October. He was remanded to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on January 12, 2023;
• A 16-year-old boy who was arrested on November 3;
• An 18-year-old Bundoora man who was arrested on November 8. He was bailed to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on March 1, 2023.
• A 16-year-old boy was arrested on 2 November but released pending further inquiries.

Those who were charged and are under the age of 18 will appear at a children’s court at a later date.

The investigation into the incident remains ongoing and police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or has other information and is yet to speak to police to come forward.

Anyone with further information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as Heidelberg West death: Teens charged with murder