Dad’s heartbreak after two sons, Lino and Atem Atem, killed in separate attacks

The broken dad and brother of two siblings who have been killed in separate attacks in Melbourne’s west – the latest just over a week ago – have revealed their uncontrollable grief.

The broken dad and brother of two siblings who have been killed in separate attacks – the latest just over a week ago – have revealed their uncontrollable grief.

Lino Atem, 24, was stabbed multiple times in a deadly gang ­assault in a park in Wyndham Vale in Melbourne’s outer west on Friday January 10.

Older brother Atem Atem, 29, was gunned down in ­February 2023.

Dad Deng Atem, 56, said he just wanted answers and justice. Frustrated, hapless and scared, he said the death of his two sons in as many years was beyond comprehension.

“Lino and Atem, I miss them, I love them a lot,” he said.

“When I come back from work, Lino was the first one to open the door for me.

“I try my best, but I don’t know why this keeps happening to us. The people that did this … I want to see justice.”

Lino Atem was killed during a fight between two groups of men in Wyndham Vale. Picture: Supplied

His brother Atem Atem was gunned down two years ago.

Another brother who was with Lino on the night he died, but who wants to remain anonymous, described the moment they and their mates were ambushed, amid rising calls to end the “senseless violence” in the western suburbs.

Lino was knifed after a group of more than a dozen young men stormed the park.

He died at the scene while his brother, who is nursing ­serious stab wounds, was rushed to hospital.

Lino’s brother said the pain of losing two siblings was ­immense.

He said Friday night’s deadly ambush at Haines Drive Reserve – about 100m from his family home – was over in mere moments.

“We were just chilling, socialising, nothing we don’t do every weekend … just catching up with mates and cousins,” he said while nursing two heavily bandaged arms.

“It was a bit late, a bit dark … it all happened so quick.” He said their group of six were ambushed by a crew brandishing knives and machetes.

“They crept their way ­towards us and we were in an isolated area,” he added.

“In under a minute or so we were under attack and before I knew it, it was all over.

“As soon as they approached they just started swinging and I had to protect myself straight away, there was no time to get away.”

Lino was ambushed at Haines Drive Reserve, about 100m from his family home. Picture: Supplied

He considers himself lucky to have survived, adding his friend who was also hospitalised had only recently been discharged too.

Heartbroken by his brother’s loss, he said Lino was a respectful and caring young man, much loved by his family and network of friends.

“He was a sports fanatic, he loved anything to do with sports … he was a hard worker and he loved to help people,” he added.

“He was welcoming to everyone he met.”

Last week’s attack sent shockwaves throughout the local South Sudanese community.

Junbi Wyndham Project ­officer William Daw said ­attacks against young community members were ­becoming commonplace.

“It was shocking news and it’s still shocking now, not for the Atem family alone, but all the community,” Mr Daw said.

“I was sitting here on Sunday evening, in this room, there were six families with young people who had been killed.

“Everyone was asking themselves, ‘Will the next one be my son or my daughter?’”

Deng Atem wants justice for his son. Picture: Jason Edwards

He labelled the state government’s response to knife crime as a “disaster” and likened the level of violence seen in the western suburbs to that of the South Sudanese civil war.

Mr Daw said teenagers were feeling anxious after several attacks at or near their family homes.

“These young people, we know them, I work with them in school, they’ve grown up in front of me here, they are peaceful,” he added. “Now they are being attacked where they feel safe, inside their houses.

“Atem was killed in his home, and Lino went to the park on a hot night to get some fresh air and you see the result. Where can they go, where is safe for them?”

The investigation into Lino’s murder looms as a difficult one for police.

Homicide squad members will be viewing CCTV footage, but a lack of lighting in and around the park will hinder the identification of suspects.

Junbi Wyndham Project officer William Daw said teens were becoming anxious after attacks near their homes. Picture: Jason Edwards

The fact that so many youths – many likely masked or hooded – were involved adds to the task of nailing down exactly who inflicted the fatal blows. Victoria Police said they were focused on dismantling youth gangs and seizing weapons in the west to prevent further injuries and death.

“In mid-December, a combined operation saw 25 people arrested over one weekend, including 14 known youth gang members,” a spokesman said.

“Police have also conducted operations at busy community locations including Watergardens and Highpoint shopping centres over the last six months, to proactively target weapons offences and boost public safety.

“Police will continue to have a strong presence in the Wyndham area.”

A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Lino’s family.