Three teens charged over alleged stabbing death of 14-year-old Ethan Hoac
Three teenagers have been charged over the fatal stabbing of a “respectful” and “funny” student in St Albans last month.
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Three teenagers are facing murder charges over the alleged stabbing death of 14-year-old Ethan Hoac last month.
An 18-year-old Tarneit man and two 17-year-old boys were on Saturday night charged with the Braybrook College student’s murder after homicide detectives raided three properties in Fitzroy, Deer Park and Wyndham Vale.
Ethan was allegedly mowed down by a car before he was stabbed to death in St Albans on June 26.
CCTV footage showed Ethan and his friends running down a street near Ginifer station about 10.45pm.
Just minutes later, a light coloured midsize SUV began to chase the teens near Bailey St
Ethan was found fatally wounded about 11pm.
His friends were not injured in the attack.
Det Insp Dean Thomas of the Homicide Squad said police were determined to hold those responsible for Ethan’s “heartbreaking” death to account.
“A significant investigation has been underway since this incident occurred, led by the Homicide Squad and with the support of a range of specialist units from across Victoria Police,” he said.
“Our priority was to identify those responsible for this matter as soon as possible and ensure we do everything we can to hold them to account.
“This is what the public expects of us when we see significantly violent offending of this nature.
“Incidents such as this really strike at the heart of our communities and the feeling of safety everyone is entitled to have.
“Any death under circumstances like this is distressing, but to see someone so young and vulnerable robbed of his future in this way is completely heartbreaking.”
Ethan was remembered as a “respectful” and “funny” boy.
“Ethan was the funniest person I knew, he’d always spread positive energy and always tried his best to stay out of trouble,” friend Chrissy Tran said.
“He was the first responsible, respectful and funny boy I’d ever met.”
The trio will front children’s court on Sunday.
Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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