Three words in video support ‘postcode gangs’ theory in Easter Show stabbing
Three ominous words heard in a video taken moments after a teenager was stabbed to death at the Easter Show could shed light on a disturbing police theory.
A small detail in a video taken moments after a teenager was stabbed to death at Sydney’s Royal Easter Show could support a disturbing theory police are investigating.
Uati “Pele” Faletolu, 17, died on his way to hospital on Monday evening after being stabbed during a violent brawl between two groups in the adult rides section of the carnival.
As police pinned the victim’s 15-year-old relative on the ground during a dramatic arrest minutes after the stabbing, three ominous words could be heard.
“Six, seven, motherf***er”.
It’s unclear whether the relative, who is facing knife and affray charges over his alleged actions after the stabbing, uttered the words or if it was someone in the crowd.
But the footage fuels a worrying police theory the brawl was a planned fight between groups from two warring “postcode gangs” in Sydney’s western suburbs.
Mr Faletolu, who was fatally stabbed during his break from working the Break Dance ride at the show, was from Doonside, which is represented by the 67 gang after its 2767 postcode.
Friends of Mr Faletolu have reportedly told police the people behind his death were from Mt Druitt, which has the postcode 2770, and is represented by the group, Ready for Anything.
Police told reporters on Tuesday they were investigating multiple theories as to what sparked the fight.
Commander of the Auburn Police Area Command, Superintendent Danielle Emerton, said it was possible the attack was motivated by or linked to conflict within postcode gangs, or an internal dispute between groups.
“Postcode wars” usually involve teenage kids from “rival” neighbourhoods, and gangs are named after their members’ home suburb.
A gang called OneFour is understood to be a subgroup of the broader Mount Druitt and outer-western suburbs gang, which formerly had ties to a drill rap group of the same name.
Drill rap, which OneFour was credited with starting in Australia, has violent and lyrically confronting elements, and in the UK is synonymous with so-called “postcode wars”.
The OneFour music group has distanced itself from the gang, which had originally been known as NF14 and was part of the Mounty County coalition.
Members of OneFour are known to make a “27” hand gesture, which represents the Mt Druitt postcode.
Easter Show stabbing victim’s relative charged
The relative of a teenager stabbed to death during a wild brawl at the Sydney Royal Easter Show has been granted bail after he was charged with affray and carrying a knife.
On Tuesday the boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared in Parramatta Children’s Court via audio link from Auburn Police Station, where was supported by his mother and aunt.
No pleas were entered and police did not oppose the granting of bail.
In court, the police prosecutor said the teen who was charged was a relative of the 17-year-old who was killed.
The court heard the boy was alleged to have pulled a knife and chased three unknown men after his relative was fatally stabbed.
The knife the boy pulled had been given to him by his relative who was stabbed, the court heard.
In light of the boy’s lack of a criminal record and “minor role” in the incident, he was granted conditional bail and ordered to comply with an 8pm to 6am curfew.
Fundraiser for teen stabbing victim’s family
An online fundraiser for Mr Faletolu’s family was set up on Wednesday night on behalf of Doonside Junior Rugby League Club.
It has already received more than $16,000 in donations in the 18 hours it has been live.
“Uati moved to Doonside with his family 5 years ago, and started his Rugby league journey at Doonside Junior Rugby League Club the same year,” organiser Shane Kennedy wrote.
“He and his family have been part of our family since the first day he stepped foot in our club, like so many others.
“Hearing the news of this tragedy, Doonside JRLC wanted to start this page to ensure that his Mother and rest of his family have one less thing to think about whilst mourning their loss.”
The sister of Mr Faletolu’s partner, Taylor Piliae, confirmed via Instagram on Wednesday that the late 17-year-old was due to become a dad in the coming months.
“The rumours are true. My beautiful sister has been blessed with his baby,” Bree Piliae said in her post.
“Congratulations big sis, with you every step of the way. Can’t wait to meet you mini Pele.”
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