Pemulwuy: Teen charged with manslaughter after Luke Manassa stabbing death
A teen arrested and charged by homicide detectives stands accused of orchestrating an assault that led to the alleged murder of Luke Manassa at Pemulwuy in a case of mistaken identity.
Parramatta
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A teen arrested and charged by homicide detectives stands accused of orchestrating an assault that led to the alleged murder of Luke Manassa at Pemulwuy in a case of mistaken identity.
Detectives have charged an additional boy over the fatal stabbing of 21-year-old Mr Manassa in the driveway of the Driftway Drive on the night of June 26.
About 7am on Wednesday, strike force detectives – with assistance from North West Metropolitan Operational Support Group – raided a home in western Sydney where a 17-year-old boy was arrested.
He was taken to Blacktown Police Station, where he was charged with manslaughter, knowingly/recklessly direct criminal group assist crime and failing to comply with digital evidence access order direction.
He was refused bail and appeared at a children’s court on Wednesday.
Police allege the teen issued the contract to carry out the attack on another man but Mr Manassa was targeted in a case of mistaken identity.
The breakthrough this week follows the arrest of a 16-year-old boy and 17-year-old boy in June who were charged with murder.
The pair allegedly lied in wait when Mr Manassa and his girlfriend arrived at the home about 10.45pm and had been contracted by higher-level crime figures.
The boys, who cannot be identified because they are under 18, were allegedly part of a street gang and had violent criminal histories, with the court previously hearing that the 17-year-old on bail at the time of the alleged murder.
They are on remand in custody while their cases remain before the courts.
Cumberland police alleged two men dressed in dark clothing and disguises confronted Mr Manassa when he and his girlfriend arrived at the address.
Mr Manassa – a property economics university student who was remembered as a “very decent, remarkable young man” – managed to get back into his car and drive a short distance before he succumbed to his injuries.
The matter was referred to State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad who established Strike Force Hickety to investigate.
Investigations continue.
In a touching Catholic service, Mr Manassa’s funeral at Our Lady of Lebanon Co-Cathedral this month drew hundreds of mourners.
Twenty one white doves were released at the end of the funeral to commemorate Mr Manassa’s 21 years, along with basketball balloons - a sport he loved.
His Polynesian colleagues at Mann Group led an emotional haka for him.