The faces behind Victoria’s knife crime tragedies

Deadly stabbings have torn apart the lives of six Victorian families in the past 12 months. These faces reveal the human toll of the state’s horror knife crime.

The faces of Victoria’s knife crime tragedies.

Six Victorian families’ lives have been torn apart in the past 12 months.

Although strangers, they all have one thing in common.

They are grieving the loss of loved ones tragically killed by deadly knife crime.

It comes as shocking data revealed stabbing incidents had soared across the state in 2022, according to a report by Monash University.

Last financial year, 820 people presented to emergency departments after being stabbed, up 48 per cent on the previous year.

Most victims were aged between 15 to 49, making up 87 per cent of cases.

Here are the faces of Victoria’s knife crime tragedies.

Adam Bockhodt

Adam Bockhodt was a dedicated carer for his girlfriend.

Adam Bockhodt was left helplessly bleeding out on the floor of his partner’s apartment in South Yarra.

The 34-year-old died when he was allegedly stabbed to death by a 17-year-old boy on June 3.

Mr Bockhodt was a dedicated carer for his girlfriend, Lisette Ceeya, who was a paraplegic.

“He was an amazing person, he was so loyal. He died a soldier,” she said.

Mr Bockhodt was known for his friendly and passionate personality.

Monique Lezsak

Monique Lezsak was a devoted mum of two.

Monique Lezsak was fatally stabbed in an Endeavour Hills home on May 30.

It’s alleged the mum of two was knifed by her partner, Sven Lindemann, during a violent fight.

Ms Lezsak’s best friend, Jacqueline Schwarcz, told the Herald Sun her nine-year-old daughter was cut while bravely trying to save her mum.

“Her daughter is a hero, my hero, our hero, she tried to stop it,” she said.

“She was cut in a few places on the same arm and hand.”

Ms Lezsak was a disability carer and held a diploma in beauty therapy.

She was described as “the most beautiful person” who devoted her life to her twin children.

Pasawm Lyhym

Pasawm Lyhym had a passion for martial arts.

Pasawm Lyhym had his whole life ahead of him before he was stabbed to death at Sunshine train station.

The 16-year-old schoolboy was allegedly attacked by a group of youths near the station’s bus interchange on May 25.

Pasawm was killed just hours before he was due to go to the movies with his older brother.

He was just six years old when his family fled Myanmar in search of a better life, arriving in Melbourne in 2006.

Pasawm was remembered as an “unbelievable warrior” by his former martial arts teacher, Kelvin.

“He was always wearing a smile. That’s the one thing our Dojo is always going to remember about Pasawm, his big smile,” he said.

“But then he’d rock up at a tournament, walk into the ring, and just become this unbelievable warrior.

“He was a really good boy. He was the most gentle, sweet boy that I’ve ever known.”

Hashim Mohamed

Hashim Mohamed was known as a “good kid”.

Hashim Moahamed was enjoying his first weekend of summer when he was set upon by alleged armed assailants in St Kilda.

The 18-year-old died in hospital after he was attacked in broad daylight on the foreshore on December 4 last year.

Hashim was described as a “good kid” who loved hanging out with friends.

His distraught mother, Ashir Osman, told the Herald Sun that knives should be restricted.

“Shops should be more vigilant about selling knives, especially to kids under the age of 18, they should not allow kids to buy knives,” she said.

“It is unfortunate because every couple of days a child dies for no reason.”

Khalid Mahat

Khalid Mahat had dreams of becoming an architectural engineer.

Khalid Mahat was an aspiring architectural engineer when he was allegedly stabbed to death in Heidelberg West.

It’s alleged up to 10 teenagers arrived at a property and attacked the 25-year-old before fleeing the scene in October last year.

Mr Mahat was known as a “kind-hearted person” who “loved to take care of people”.

His brother, Xiis Abdi Mahat, said he and Khalid moved from Saudi Arabia to Australia in 2004.

At the time, Detective Acting Inspector Nigel L’Estrange said the consequences of carrying knives as weapons was “life changing”.

“Victoria Police is relentless in pursuing anyone responsible for this level of violence and age will be no barrier to that,” he said.

“Carrying knives will result in tragic outcomes for all parties concerned and the ramifications are severe and life changing.

“A young man has senselessly lost his life, and a significant number of families now face a lifetime of grieving.”

Jose Jose

Jose Jose was only 20 years old when he was killed.

Jose Jose tragically died from stab wounds sustained in an alleged brawl on Bourke St in October last year.

The 20-year-old was allegedly knifed to death and two men were charged with his murder.

A beautiful shrine was created near the CBD scene, featuring candles, flowers and a picture of Jose.