Mickleham man Ruka Carlson named as victim in Chapel St stabbing attack

Loved ones of a Mickleham man who died in an Easter Sunday stabbing during a night out at the troubled Prahran hotspot say they have been shattered by the tragedy.

The fiancé of a man allegedly stabbed to death on Chapel Street on Easter Sunday has revealed the chilling final words she exchanged with the slain father of six.

In a statement to media on Sunday, Monique, who was due to marry 30-year-old Ruka Carlson in coming months, said his final words to her were that he loved her.

“Okay I’m just eating now and I’m coming home baby, I love you,” he had texted her.

Monique remembered her fiance as “the most beautiful soul on earth”.

The fatal Chapel St attack was caught on camera. Picture: 7 News

“The most loving, caring, gentle father, our six kids and I are suffering immensely without him,” she said.

Mr Carlson, from Mickleham, died about 1.30am after a fight allegedly broke out between up to six people at the popular Prahran night spot. He was rushed to hospital but he died from his injuries.

His alleged killers remained on the run on Sunday afternoon as police worked to determine whether the attack was targeted.

Father of six Ruka Carlson was killed during an altercation involving up to six people on Chapel Street. Picture: Instagram

Ruka Carlson was stabbed to death in a fatal brawl on Chapel Street on Easter Sunday. Picture: Instagram

Mr Carlson and his fiance shared six children, who were aged between less than a year old to nine years old.

His loved ones paid tribute to the slain father, telling the Herald Sun he was just months away from marrying their mother, who he had been in a relationship with for many years.

“(She) is now going to be raising their babies on her own and they will all be devastated to have lost their dad,” a close relative of Mr Carlson’s fiance said.

“They were getting married in a few months, they’ve been together for a very long time.”

Mr Carlson’s social media is littered with affectionate posts featuring his family, including one picture of the family huddled side-by-side on Christmas Eve.

Friends and loved ones also took to social media to remember Mr Carlson as a good friend.

“Shattering news,” one friend wrote on social media.

Footage shows Ruka Carlson being attacked by a group of men in Chapel st. Picture: 7 News

A crime scene has been established on the busy Prahran strip. Picture: Tom Winch

Chapel St remains closed between Malvern Rd and Catham St. Picture: Emma Sudano

A bloody item of clothing at the scene. Picture: David Crosling

“You were my first and best mate when I moved up to the northern suburbs.”

“RIP my brother,” another loved one wrote.

Police will investigate whether a bottle seized by investigators on Sunday was used to stab Mr Carlson, who was known to police, after a fight had broken out at the troubled Love Machine nightclub.

A gun that was found nearby was also taken away for testing to determine whether it was linked to the incident.

It remained unclear whether the seized weapon was a real or imitation firearm.

Detective Chris Ellway said investigators were hunting at least five other people who were involved in the fatal street fight.

A man, believed to be in his 20s, was taken to hospital but later died. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Forensic investigators could be seen examining a white Mitshubishi near the scene of the fatal stabbing. Picture: Brandon Demura

“(There are) no arrests as yet, we are looking at about five or six people involved and we would love for anyone to come forward,” Detective Ellway said.

The brutal attack took place in front of multiple shocked bystanders.

“It’s pretty concerning for everyone, no one wants to see violence when they are coming for a good night out with friends and family,” Detective Ellway said.

Detective Ellway said while Mr Carlson was known to police, it was too early to say if he had underworld or gang links.

Court records showed Mr Carlson was due to front the Heidelberg Magistrates court next month.

A man who attempted to help Mr Carlson immediately after the attack told the Herald Sun he thought he had been struck by a car because his injuries were so severe.

“I was at Electric and I saw a guy, I thought he got hit by a car,” the man, who wished to remain anonymous, said.

A large section of Chapel St and nearby Little Chapel St remain closed as police scour the area. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Detectives are investigating the incident. Picture: Valeriu Campan

The fatal incident took place about 1.30am on Sunday morning. Picture: David Crosling

“He was bleeding everywhere, he was bleeding so much, we had to take his top off. It was horrible.

“I just wanted to help the guy, no one should die.”

Homicide detectives spent Sunday morning dusting a liquor store for fingerprints and photographing a belt seen on the ground near the corner of Chapel St and Chatham St

A portion of Little Chapel St remained cordoned off as forensic specialists probed a white Mitsubishi with a broken door mirror and a white Mercedes sedan on nearby Carlton St.

No arrests have been made and investigations continue.

Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as Mickleham man Ruka Carlson named as victim in Chapel St stabbing attack