Thirteen people, including seven boys, arrested over fatal ‘ambush’ of Lino Atem in Melbourne’s west

Police have made a breakthrough in their probe of a fatal “ambush” attack that left a 24-year-old man dead.

Thirteen people have been arrested over a fatal ambush attack in Melbourne’s west where a young man was set upon and stabbed to death by a large group.

Lino Atem, 24, was with a group of friends when a larger group set upon them at Haines Drive Reserve in Wyndham Vale about 11.30am on January 10.

Victoria Police believe the larger group were armed with machetes and other weapons – jumping out of four white cars and going into “attack mode”.

Two 27-year-old men, both from Wyndham Vale, sustained non-life threatening injuries during the incident and were taken to hospital for treatment.

In a statement on Tuesday, police said detectives had arrested 13 people as part of the homicide squad’s investigation into Mr Atem’s death.

Lino Atem died from fatal stab wounds when he was allegedly ambushed by a large group at Wyndham Vale in January. Picture: Supplied

Police have arrested 13 people over the alleged fatal attack on Mr Atem (pictured). Picture: Supplied

Fifteen warrants were executed from 5.30am in Aintree, Deer Park, Manor Lakes, Sunshine West, Albanvale, Mornington, Werribee, Deanside, Hoppers Crossing, Melton South, Keilor and Braybrook.

The 13 arrested include six boys from the northern suburbs – one aged 15, four aged 16 and one aged 17.

A 17-year-old boy from the Mornington Peninsula area, a 23-year-old Deanside man, a 20-year-old Hoppers Crossing man, a 19-year-old Melton South man, an 18-year-old Werribee man, a 22-year-old Hoppers Crossing man and a 20-year-old Braybrook man have also been arrested.

All those arrested will be interviewed by police.

No charges have been laid.

Detective Acting Inspector Adam Shoesmith said the matter had been subject to significant investigation by homicide squad detectives over the past two months.

“We are hopeful that today’s arrests and warrants provide investigators with further avenues of inquiry,” he said.

“Lino was simply enjoying a night in the park socialising with friends when he was attacked. While we believe this incident was targeted, there is nothing to indicate why the group was attacked and police believe it is likely a case of mistaken identity.”

Lino’s father Deng Atem is demanding justice. Picture: Supplied / Channel 7

The Atem family has already endured a similar tragedy after Lino’s brother, Atem, was fatally shot in 2023.

Inspector Shoesmith said there was nothing to indicate the deaths of Lino and Atem were linked.

Investigators are keen to speak to anyone who has any information about Lino’s death, including who was involved or the motivation for the attack.

“We know there are people out there who can help us identify those responsible. People who may have been present at the time of the incident or people who may have heard information about these incidents after the fact,” Inspector Shoesmith said.

“Whatever that information is – police want to hear it. It could be details about who was involved, how the incident took place or what the motivation for the attack was. Any small detail to could the thing that makes an enormous difference.

“We can’t imagine how difficult it must be for the Atem family knowing there are people out there who could help solve this and hold their loved one’s killers to account, and yet they are choosing not to.”

Speaking to 7 News earlier this year, Lino’s father Deng Atem remembered his son as a hardworking and talented basketball player who had many friends.

“I need justice. I want justice immediately,” Mr Atem said.

“I’m waiting for the government and police to catch these people.”