11 people charged with the murder of Deer Park teen Solomone Taufeulungaki
The mother of slain teen Solomone Taufeulungaki has shared a powerful message about street violence after police charged 11 people - including two 13-year-olds - with her son’s murder.
Police & Courts
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Nine children are among 11 people today charged over a brutal murder of a teenager in Melbourne’s west.
Two 13-year-olds are among those charged with the stabbing death of 15-year-old Solomone Taufeulungaki at Deer Park on June 16.
The 11 had all previously been charged with a range of other offences, including violent disorder and affray.
Those counts have been upgraded.
It is believed to be the largest number of people ever charged in Victoria over a single murder.
Those charged are:
A 15-year-old boy;
A 14-year-old boy;
A 13-year-old boy;
A 15-year-old boy;
A 16-year-old boy;
A 16-year-old boy;
A 13-year-old boy;
A 17-year-old boy; and
A 16-year-old boy.
Also on murder counts are a 23-year-old Hoppers Crossing man and a 20-year-old Sunshine man.
Solomone died when he was attacked in an alleged gang attack near Neale Rd.
His family and police later said the teen, known as Solo, was not a member of any gang.
Crime Command Assistant Commissioner Bob Hill said the charges showed the force’s commitment to holding those involved in youth gangs and committing extreme acts of violence to account.
“Police understand the adverse impact these gangs have in the community, whether it’s disputes between those groups or the high harm offences they commit on members of the general public,” Mr Hill said.
“It’s critical that people involved in those gangs understand that police, whether it be investigators from the homicide or gang crime squads, right through to local police, will ensure all the associated criminality is thoroughly investigated.
Mr Hill said crime command investigators had this week charged 18 alleged offenders with murder over the deaths of Solomone, Moe man Jarrad Lovison and tradie Adrian Pacione at Lalor.
“The real story is what sits behind each and every one of those deaths; families, friends and relatives on both sides of these activities are now without loved ones,” Mr Hill said.
“The constant in many of these deaths is the links to organised and gang- related crime, and the influence and organised nature of these networks cannot be overstated at any level.”
Solomone’s mother Salome Taufeulungaki said she was “thankful” charges had been laid over her son’s murder.
“We miss Solomone but we can’t bring him back,” she told the Herald Sun.
“We still believe we live with him.”
The devout Mormon said she forgave those who were involved and that she hoped street violence would end.
“I feel like still loving them,” she said.
“We still love them, we hope it will stop here.
“We hope it will help the youth to stop being violent. That is the most important thing for our family.
“I am thankful for the police and the government doing their work.”
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