Mother of teenager killed at CBD party brawl wants justice
THE devastated mother of a girl who was killed in a fight at a CBD apartment over the weekend says she is lost without her “happy and lovely” daughter — and wants the “cowardly’’ killer caught.
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EXCLUSIVE: The devastated mother of a girl, 19, killed in a fight at a CBD apartment has told the Herald Sun she is lost without her “happy and lovely” daughter, and wants her “cowardly’’ killer caught.
Laa Chol died after a fight broke out between two groups of African Australians at the city’s EQ Tower early on Saturday.
Family and friends on Sunday met at the Chols’ Pakenham home to grieve for the “goofy and outgoing” university student who aspired to be a lawyer.
TEEN KILLED IN CBD PARTY BRAWL A ‘BEAUTIFUL SOUL’
Police were yet to make an arrest, and the family pleaded for anyone with information on the killer to come forward.
Ojwanga Abalo fought back tears, remembering her daughter who “loved everyone” and was “always happy and lovely”.
“I miss my daughter,” Ms Abalo told the Herald Sun.
“Just whenever you saw her, it was a happy moment … there were no sad moments.
“I’m speechless. She helped me around the house, she helped me with everything. She found me a job, she makes sure I’m OK.
“I don’t know what I’m going to do without her.”
The Herald Sun strongly rejects allegations its reporter did not identify themselves to Ms Chol’s family yesterday or in anyway acted inappropriately. The Herald Sun’s reporter, after identifying themselves as a journalist, was invited to sit on the floor with the family who then clearly consented to an interview which was published today.
A dozen people were assisting police with inquiries.
Police said a fight broke out between a group of African Australian youths who had rented the short-stay apartment, on the 56th floor of the tower in A’Beckett St, and another group.
Ms Chol was fatally injured during the brawl.
Cousin Nyawie Dau said Ms Chol had grown up in Kenya and moved to Australia in 2005, which is when they became close.
“She was my best friend. Everyone just loved her,” Ms Dau said.
“She was goofy, outgoing. She got along with everyone.”
It is understood Ms Chol lived in Shepparton before moving to Melbourne, finishing her VCE at Pakenham Secondary College.
She juggled a part-time job at KFC with singing in a choir, attending church, and playing for a local women’s soccer team.
“We need justice for Laa. They need to find whoever did this,” Ms Dau said.
“I have no words for them. I just want the cops to find them and get them locked up because they killed my cousin, who was like a sister to me.
“We can’t see her any more … whatever I say, it’s not going to bring Laa back.
“I’ve never felt like this before. I just feel empty.”
Skye United soccer club on Sunday posted on social media: “Laa was an integral part of our women’s team since joining in March this year. All our love, thoughts & prayers go out to Laa’s family, friends & teammates.”
Anyone with information is urged to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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