Thomas Tran, 20, stabbed to death in Oakleigh brawl
The family of a man stabbed to death near a mall in Oakleigh on Monday night have broken down in tears as they laid flowers at the scene, as four people quizzed by police are released.
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The distraught family of a man killed in Oakleigh on Monday night have laid flowers and supported each other in their grief at the place where he died.
There were emotional scenes outside the Eaton Mall in Oakleigh on Tuesday as Thomas Tran’s grieving family paid their respects.
Mr Tran’s 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.
“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.
“He loves his family, loves his friends – he’s just a great guy and he didn’t deserve that.”
Ms Nguyen said she frantically called her boyfriend’s parents last night after receiving a text message about what had happened.
She and the family arrived at the scene but he was “already gone”.
“Honestly I don’t know how I will love without him,” she said.
Mr Tran’s cousin and housemate Fiona Tran, 26, spoke through tears as she remembered her “little brother”.
Ms Tran said her cousin left to go to the gym after a “normal night” at home.
Hours later she received a call and was told what had happened. She then drove to the scene with her aunt and uncle.
“I saw a body on the floor and I hoped it wasn’t him,” she said.
“That was the first thing I saw.
“He was like my brother.”
A floral tribute continued to grow this morning with members of the public leaving flowers.
Detectives returned to the mall about 10am, walking up and down the street and speaking to shop owners.
Mr Tran’s former school - Salesian College in Chadstone - issued a statement sayings its thoughts and prayers were with his family.
“It is with a heavy heart that we inform our community last night Thomas Tran, Class of 2017, tragically lost his life in Oakleigh,” the statement says.
“As we grapple to make sense of this tragedy, we unite as a community affected by this deeply sad event.
“Thomas was a wonderful young man with so much potential.
“Rest in peace, Thomas.”
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.
Anyone near Chester St, Eaton Mall and Atherton Rd between 7.30pm and 8pm or who has camera footage is asked to come forward.
It is believed a fight broke out in the mall on Atherton Rd just before 8pm.
Police were called to reports of a brawl at 7.55pm. Mr Tran died at the scene.
Four men were arrested a short time after.
The incident occurred near the entrance to Eaton Mall, 16km southeast of Melbourne CBD.
Forensics officers were seen checking the footpath for evidence outside a pharmacy.
It’s the third death on Melbourne’s streets in two weeks.
Kurunjang man Machar Kot, 21, died on Market St in Melbourne CBD last Monday.
Marco Deng has been charged over the fatal stabbing.
Teenager Solomone Taufeulungaki died in Deer Park on June 16 after he was ambushed as he walked home from school.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestoppersvic.com.au
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