Family shares terrifying details of the driveway attack by gang of masked killers

The families of the two young men shot dead in Wyndham Vale last weekend have united in their grief, as harrowing details of the attack emerged.

The families and loved ones of two men killed in Wyndham Vale last week have held a vigil as they wait for answers. Picture: Mark Stewart

The heartbroken family of one of the men shot dead last weekend in Wyndham Vale has shared terrifying details of the driveway attack by a gang of masked killers.

The loved ones of slain tradie Atem Atem, 29, revealed on Saturday the second man killed alongside their son was 22-year-old Ayuel Akuei.

Both the Akuei and Atem families united in grief on Saturday night, making touching tributes to their boys at a candlelit vigil. Dozens of neighbours came to pay their respects.

In the centre of the garage, where the horrific events took place last weekend, the Atem family placed candles around a shrine with framed photos of Ayuel, Atem and family dog, Randy.

Nyalang Atem, Atem’s younger sister, earlier on Saturday told the Sunday Herald Sun how the slaying unfolded.

A heartbreaking tribute to the lives lost. Picture: Mark Stewart

The families of the slain young men unite in grief. Picture: Mark Stewart

Ms Atem said her brother had been gunned down on the driveway by a large group of masked offenders, while walking back towards the family garage.

“There were heaps of them and they all came out of those three cars,” she said, with the vehicles all captured on CCTV driving past the garage on Sladen St.

“They were all wearing ski masks.”

It is believed their beloved family dog Randy – a pit bull staffy cross – was then targeted after he began to bark at the armed trespassers.

Ms Atem said they must have been looking to “find others” as they entered the garage and shot Ayuel and a 23-year-old man.

The attackers then shouted at one of Atem’s brothers “Who are you? Who are you?” Ms Atem said.

The younger sister said she and her father, Deng Atem, both believe the attack was a case of mistaken identity.

As of Saturday, Victoria Police are yet to make any arrests and no new details have been released to either the family or the public over the past week.

“The police have been very polite, but we just want to know why this happened,” Ms Atem said.

The 23-year-old man also targeted last Saturday is understood to have been shot in the chest. He underwent surgery early last week and is believed to be recovering well.

At last night’s vigil, Atem’s despairing father, Deng, thanked those who attended for their thoughts and prayers.

One of the families shared harrowing details of the attack that ended in the young men being killed. Picture: Mark Stewart

Friends and family gather to remember Atem Atem, 29, and Ayuel Akuei, 22. Picture: Mark Stewart

“Nothing you can do,” he said. “Thank you all, I don’t have much more of a message to tell you.”

The group sung, prayed and cried as a group, heartbroken by the sudden and brutal nature of the killings.

One of Atem’s sisters, Adele, said she was proud of her family and was thankful for those who had supported them during the past week.

“What has happened here was very tragic,” she said.

Atem’s uncle, Louis, said the two families were connected by a friendship between the two fathers, Deng and Agok, who had previously lived in Brisbane before moving to Wyndham Vale.

Floral tributes were laid in memory of the young men. Picture: Mark Stewart

“They are good family friends,” he said.

Floral tributes have been laid on the driveway of the family home in the exact spot Atem Atem was found dead by his distraught brothers, Luka and Mading.

Ms Atem said she was also mourning Randy’s death.

“He was two years old. It would have been his birthday next Saturday.”