Wyndham Vale shooting victims Atem Atem and Ayuel Akuei laid to rest
The families of the two young men shot dead at a Wyndham Vale home earlier this month have laid their loved ones to rest.
Victoria
Don't miss out on the headlines from Victoria. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The families of two young men gunned down alongside a pet dog have united in their grief, gathering to bid farewell to their sons.
More than 100 family and friends, as well as members of the community, attended the joint funeral service for Atem Atem, 29, and Ayuel Akuei, 22, at St Andrew’s Parish in Werribee on Saturday.
Tears swelled in the eyes of mourners as they heard how the pair’s lives were cut short outside a Wyndham Vale home just 4km away 14 days earlier.
The friends’ coffins, draped in a white sheet and flowers with framed photos of Ayuel and Atem sitting atop, sat front and centre in the church.
A portrait of the Atem family’s dog, Randy, was also on display.
The families of Mr Atem and Mr Akuei were seen comforting each other throughout the service.
The pastor spoke highly of both men, saying that he had got to know them through MacKillop College in Werribee where they had previously attended.
He said that Mr Atem was a hardworking bricklayer who would often help to provide for his family and that Mr Akuei was a diligent and talented student.
Mr Akuei’s three siblings paid tribute to their late brother, reflecting on his love of basketball and how he would be deeply missed.
The two men were shot dead outside the Atem family home on Carmichael Drive in the early hours of February 11.
Three vehicles were seen approaching the house, before a large group of masked offenders jumped out and opened fire on the men in the garage.
Police continue to hunt the brazen killers.
It is unclear what the motive is behind the shooting, with family suspecting it was a case of mistaken identity.
Another man at the property with Mr Atem and Mr Akuei was also shot, but was taken to hospital where he underwent surgery.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help support the costs of the funeral.
On the fundraising page, Ayuel’s sister, Nyankiir Akuei, left a touching tribute to her “beloved” brother, who she said had been “tragically taken from us due to a senseless crime”.
“Ayuel was a vibrant young man who had a passion for basketball, which he played exceptionally well,” Ms Akuei said.
“Our brother was more than just an outstanding athlete; he was a loving family member who touched the hearts of everyone he met.”
www.gofundme.com/f/funeral-costs-for-ayuel-akuei
After frank feedback there was a brutal meeting at Victoria Police headquarters
There had been squabbles for years between the Andrews-Allan governments and Shane Patton and Neil Paterson. In February, it all came to a head in dramatic fashion.
Chronic staff shortages spark crisis talks at Ambulance Victoria
Ambulance Victoria executives will hold crisis talks about ongoing resourcing issues, after one third of the service’s metropolitan fleet was rendered out of action on Saturday night when dozens of staff called in sick.