Teen killer who stabbed Pasawm Lyhym to death described as “remarkable”

A teen who killed fellow schoolboy Pasawm Lyhym in a murderous act of revenge is regarded by his former teachers as “remarkable” and belonging to a family viewed as an “immigration success”.

A teenage killer who plunged a kitchen knife deep into the back of a fellow schoolboy in a murderous act of retribution is regarded by his former teachers as “remarkable” and belonging to a family viewed as an “immigration success”.

The teen, who cannot be named for legal reasons, faced the Supreme Court on Friday after pleading guilty to the stabbing murder of schoolboy Pasawm Lyhym, 16, in the company of co-offenders near Sunshine train station after school on May 17, 2023.

Then aged 17, the masked teen chased down Pasawm – who tried to defend himself with a shopping trolley – before plunging a large carving knife 14cm into his back over a perceived slight against his mate.

A witness said the killer used “such force the blade could have gone through him” and that the attack sent onlookers, including terrified schoolchildren, scrambling for cover.

Pasawm Lyhym, 16, was stabbed to death near Sunshine station.

Justice Michael Croucher said the brutality of the street murder was at odds with the otherwise “impressive” teen seated in the dock before him, remarking he had no criminal history, was dedicated to his studies and belonged to a supportive, successful family.

“It’s not as if he is a young person who was always heading for something dire as we so often see in this court. That’s why it’s so hard to square this with the crime he’s pleaded guilty to,” Justice Croucher said.

Defence lawyer Chris Terry said the teen killer’s family is considered an “immigration success story” and urged the judge not to view the killing as a gang attack.

“It was a group of decent people who made a terrible decision that day,” Mr Terry said.

Justice Croucher indicated he would recommend the killer, now 19, spend the majority of his sentence in youth justice detention rather than adult prison in part to enable him to continue his studies.

The family of Pasawm wept throughout the hearing and urged the judge to ensure justice is served.

Pasawm was remembered by his mother as a “shining light”.

Maung Thang Lyhym described his son as a “shining light” whose “senseless death” will never stop hurting.

“No parent should have to bury their child,” Mr Lyhym said.

“A life was taken and nothing can bring Pasawm back but accountability matters. We profoundly hope for justice and to ensure no other family experiences this pain.”

A psychologist who assessed the killer said he has low intellect and other cognitive deficiencies which mean he is more prone to impulsive and reactive behaviour.

The court heard he is remorseful for his actions and has good prospects of rehabilitation.

Justice Croucher ordered a report be compiled to assess the teen’s suitability to remain in youth justice detention for the majority of his sentence.

Suitable offenders can remain in youth justice until the age of 21.

The teen will be sentenced in February.