Brother of Wyndham Vale stabbing victim died in similar circumstances two years ago

The stabbing death of Wyndham Vale man Lino Atem, 24, is the second tragedy to strike the family after his brother was killed in similar circumstances in 2023.

Detectives are hoping the four men quizzed over a deadly ambush at Wyndham Vale can lead police to the killers after a young man was brutally stabbed to death.

Wyndham Vale man Lino Atem, 24, was knifed multiple times about 11.30pm on Friday in front of his group of mates at Haines Drive Reserve.

The Atem family is no stranger to tragedy, with Lino’s older brother Atem Atem, 29, killed in similar circumstances in 2023.

Atem Atem, who was killed in 2023. Picture: Facebook

On Saturday night, homicide squad detectives were hunting about a dozen men who were caught on CCTV ambushing Lino and his friends in the park before they allegedly launched their deadly onslaught.

Detectives believe the group of 12 alleged offenders, armed with a number of knives or machetes, pulled up to the reserve in four white vehicles and went into “attack mode”.

The scene where Lino Atem was allegedly stabbed to death. Picture: David Crosling

The older Atem, who worked as a builder, was shot dead one night after a group of people arrived outside the family’s Wyndham Vale home.

The individuals who attacked him also brutally shot and killed the family’s dog.

It is unclear whether the brothers’ deaths are linked.

A number of men were filmed on Friday night running from the scene after the alleged attack as an ambulance sped past moments later.

Concerningly, no weapons were recovered from the scene during extensive line searches throughout Saturday.

Crime Detective Inspector Paul Lloyd said the crew of about 12 offenders — who were on Saturday night on the run — knew their intended targets.

“(It was) instantaneous. They jumped out and ran and started this altercation … into attack mode,” he said.

“It certainly appeared (as if) it was targeted. The way that they turned up, and (have) just gone straight to it.

“The altercation went for about five minutes, during which edged weapons were produced and used on several people.”

Police tape off Haines Drive Reserve. Picture: Ian Currie

Three Wyndham Vale men, aged between 26 and 28, and a 24-year-old Manor Lakes man were arrested nearby.

Police were hoping these men could provide crucial details of the attackers and their whereabouts.

Det. Insp. Lloyd said the men were largely unknown to police until Friday’s deadly attack.

They were interviewed by police but have since been released.

Police at the scene where the body was found in Wyndham Vale. Picture: David Crosling

He said members from the homicide would investigate whether the attack was the result of warring gangs in Melbourne’s western suburbs.

“The people that we know of have very limited if no involvement with police,” he added.

“We don’t know what the story is behind this yet. I’m sure there is one, and we’ll do everything we can to uncover it.

“We have no motive at this stage … obviously that’s a line of inquiry, whether or not there is any gang related involvement here.

“I certainly can’t say that’s the case at this stage but (it’s) certainly one we’ll keep an eye on.”

Police patrol the area after the incident. Picture: Ian Currie

Two 27-year-old men, both from Wyndham Vale, were rushed to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

One Haines Drive resident said they witnessed the group of around 20 youths yelling and fighting in the nearby reserve, some armed with large machetes.

They heard someone yell “I’ve been stabbed” before three car loads of people and individuals on foot fled north along Haines Drive.

An orange Toyota is towed from the scene on Saturday morning. Picture: Georgie Kibel

The resident said they witnessed an orange Toyota — which was towed from the scene on Saturday — driving erratically in the car park moments before the fatal stabbing.

That car suffered a smashed rear and front windscreen as is currently being forensically analysed.

SES carry out a line search of the area. Picture: David Crosling

Opposition Leader Brad Battin said it was another “senseless” act of violence under the Allan government.

“Victoria mourns with the family who lost their child in last night’s tragic incident. Such heartbreak is unimaginable,” he said.

“Victorians everywhere are concerned about their safety. The Allan Labor Government does nothing while gangs are running riot, they must address rising crime now, not after more senseless violence occurs.”

Forensic crews gather evidence at the scene. Picture: David Crosling

Police Minister Anthony Carbines said: “Our hearts go out to the loved ones of the young man who has lost his life.”

“Knives are an incredibly dangerous weapon that can inflict serious harm and heartbreak — that’s why we’ve introduced legislation to give Victoria Police expanded knife search powers as part of our crackdown on knife crime.

“Brad Battin’s Liberals supported our strengthened bail amendments last year — now he wants to rewrite history, say they’ve been weakened and try and introduce measures we already have in place. It goes to show you can’t trust them with community safety.”

Anyone with information is being urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

Originally published as Brother of Wyndham Vale stabbing victim died in similar circumstances two years ago