Oakleigh stabbing victim Thomas Tran’s friends say he was not part of gang
Friends of Thomas Tran, 20, who was stabbed to death in Eaton Mall on Tuesday, have slammed suggestions he was part of a gang, saying he was merely in the wrong place at the wrong time.
East
Don't miss out on the headlines from East . Followed categories will be added to My News.
Friends of a man killed in Oakleigh have slammed suggestions he was part of a gang, saying he was merely in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Thomas Tran, 20, who was fatally stabbed in Eaton Mall on Tuesday after a fight broke out at 7.55pm, was the third death on Melbourne’s streets in two weeks.
A friend of Mr Tran, who asked not to be named, told Leader she was angered by reports suggesting he was in a gang or had previous ties to one.
“Thomas was not part of that life at all … he was not in a gang. He was going to become a personal trainer and he loved his girlfriend,” she said.
She said Mr Tran’s family and friends still had no idea why he was attacked, saying he was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
“We have no idea how or even why this happened … it’s random, we don’t know, we’re looking for answers as to how it came to this.”
She said wanted Mr Tran to be remembered as a “loving, caring and very funny bloke”.
“He was loved by all that knew him and the wider community.”
There were emotional scenes outside Eaton Mall on Tuesday as Mr Tran’s grieving family paid their respects.
His parents broke down in tears as they left flowers and lit incense just metres from where the 20-year-old Springvale man was stabbed.
The family gathered together in a circle hugging one another and praying.
Mr Tran’s girlfriend, Trish Nguyen, remembered her partner of more than two years for his “contagious” laugh and love for his family.
She said Mr Tran was a “dreamer” with his life ahead of him,” Ms Nguyen said.
“He’s probably the most funniest person you could ever meet,” she said.
“He had the goofiest laugh. He has a smile that when you look at it you just admire how great it looked.”
Four people arrested over the incident were released pending further inquiries.
Victoria Police Leading Senior Constable Natalie Dean said Homicide Squad detectives arrested a 15-year-old from Dandenong, a 20-year-old Dandenong South man and two 19-year-olds from Lynbrook and Lyndhurst on Monday, but were now appealing for witnesses to come forward.
A Victoria Police spokesman told Leader on Thursday police had no update in relation to the matter at this time.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
MORE NEWS
KMART, DEAKIN UNIVERSITY, WATTLE PARK, DRIVE-IN CINEMA
MILDURA TRUCKIE MATTHEW ROBERTS JAILED FOR ROLE IN SYNDICATE