Police urge witnesses to speak up about Solomone Taufeulngaki’s murder
Feuding youth gangs have been warned the investigation into the brutal daylight murder of Solomone Taufeulngaki is far from over, with a Homicide Detective saying there will be blood on the hands of anyone who fails to speak up.
Police & Courts
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Feuding gangs are “like a cancer on our society”, the state’s top homicide cop says, as the hunt for a violent killer intensifies.
Police are yet to lay murder charges over Tuesday’s fatal stabbing of teenager Solomone “Solo” Taufeulungaki in Deer Park and urge those who may know more to come forward.
Detectives believe the fatal affray followed tensions between two youth gangs — the BH gang and the VB gang — based in Melbourne’s western suburbs and believe phone video of the attack may identify the killer.
“This pattern and escalation of retaliation is like a cancer on our society,” Detective Inspector Tim Day said.
“There is risk Solomone’s killer will go free. This is not about being a snitch, this is about doing the right thing. This investigation is far from over.
“Unless Solomone’s killer is brought to justice, Solomone’s blood is on the hands of all that attended that incident regardless of which side of the fence you are on.
“This is an act of senseless, cowardly and extreme violence in public and in daylight.”
Police believe Solomone was not in a gang himself, only an associate.
The two groups had been involved in a significant altercation in Warringa Crescent in Hoppers Crossing on May 23 and an assault at Brimbank Shopping Centre last Monday.
Det-Insp Day revealed two knives were brought to the scene last Tuesday and that they had seized what they believe is the murder weapon.
At the site where Solomone was killed, mourners continued to lay flowers and condolence notes yesterday.
Tilo Mataci said his son was Solomone’s best friend during their primary school years.
“He was like a son to me and he was the same age as my boy,” he said. “He was a really good boy. My son cannot bring himself to look at the scene.”
Six teenage boys aged have been charged with violent disorder and affray.
A 15-year-old boy handed himself in to police on Wednesday night and was also charged with affray.
Manor Lakes local Ricky Stock said Solomone’s death — caused by a “silly postcode war” — was “unnecessary” and had ruined the lives of his family as well as those of the teens involved.
“They have ruined their lives and they don’t even know it,” he said.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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