Three men charged with murdering teenager Nicholas Henry

A former girlfriend of a homeless teenager stabbed to death in a Latrobe Valley town says remembering their final conversation kills her.

Nicholas Henry’s van cordoned off by police in Morwell after his murder. Picture: Marie Taylor

A tight-knit community in regional Victoria is rallying around the family of a teen who was allegedly murdered on the weekend, who say dealing with the death is “unimaginable”.

Residents of Morwell are rallying around the family of 18-year-old Nick Henry, from Churchill, after he was stabbed to death in the early hours of Saturday morning at Morwell.

It comes as homicide squad detectives charged another two men, aged 23 and 19, over the incident.

They will both face court on Tuesday morning.

A 20-year-old Morwell man, Brayden Smart, was on Saturday the first person charged with murdering Mr Henry.

The Herald Sun understands more charges are expected to be laid over the alleged attack.

Mr Smart’s lawyer told Latrobe Magistrates’ Court it was his client’s first time in custody.

He appeared via videolink in a disposable face mask and remanded in custody to next face court on July 19 for a committal mention.

Murder accused Brayden Smart.

Morwell murder victim Nicholas Henry.

Homicide detectives remain in Morwell, where they continue to interview witnesses. It is unclear whether there will be more arrests.

The town has been engulfed with rumours and speculation about why Mr Henry was killed and whether more than three people were involved

He is believed to have been living in his van and couch-surfing for weeks.

Mr Henry was found near his van with severe injuries and died soon after in hospital.

An ex-girlfriend of Mr Henry shared her anguish about their last phone conversation.

“It is killing me that our last conversation you told me you loved me and I hung up without saying it back,” ex-girlfriend Ms Samantha Blanch said.

“I hate that you have had your life taken away from you like this.

“I am so sorry, Nick, that I wasn’t there to protect you. I feel like there is a hole in my chest. I don’t want to come to terms with the fact you are gone.”

Ms Blanch said Mr Henry had an impact on “every single person” he met.

“You might have driven most people crazy half the time but you always knew how to make everyone smile,” she said. “I already miss you so much.”

Nicholas Henry was sleeping in his van or couch-surfing before his death.

The Herald Sun has been told Mr Henry, 19, feared for his safety in the period before the brutal onslaught which claimed his life.

A Morwell woman who believes she was probably the last person to see Mr Henry alive said he was concerned about his safety.

Marie Taylor, who had known Mr Henry since he was a boy, said he turned up at her home late on Friday night.

She gave him some money which he said he would spend on food and fuel for the van, in which he was living.

“I walked him down the driveway and he gave me a hug,” Ms Taylor said. “He did tell me he had a problem with some people.”

Ms Taylor said Mr Henry had been in his share of trouble but was always a respectful young man to her.

“He was well-liked by a lot of people,” she said.

Mr Henry’s mother paid tribute to her son, whose life was commemorated by friends and family in a gathering at a hall in Morwell on Saturday night.

Teenager Nicholas Henry was stabbed more than a dozen times.

“He had a heart of gold, the heart was too big for his chest sometimes,” mum Karen Henry said.

“He always took time to help people. Everyone he spoke to, he made a friendship with. “We want justice. No one deserves this..”

Mr Henry’s father, Ian Pope, said he was disgusted by what had happened.

“I want revenge,” Mr Pope said. “I’m coming. I’m angry. I’m upset. He was a good kid.”

Mr Henry was a brother to six and enjoyed motorbikes, cars and footy.

An online fundraiser has been set up by Mr Henry’s relative, Taylor Henry, to assist the family with funeral costs.

“Nick was only 18 and had a huge community of people who adored him,” the page said.

“Nick had a smile that would light up a room, his cheeky nature would have anyone he meets wrapped around his little finger.

“He loved anything with wheels, motorbikes, cars and bikes. Nick had the sweetest nature and will be fondly remembered by those he knew and loved.

“Having to deal with the loss of a son/brother like Nick in such horrendous circumstances is unimaginable.”

Any witnesses can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit crimestoppersvic.com.au

Originally published as Three men charged with murdering teenager Nicholas Henry