Darwin Salties recruit Alier Riak dies after fatal Melbourne stabbing

Two men have been charged with murder following the fatal stabbing of a Darwin Salties basketballer earlier this month.

FIVE men have been arrested and various charges laid following the fatal stabbing of Darwin Salties recruit Alier Riak in the early hours of March 13.

A 19-year-old from Derrimut and a 21-year-old from Tarneit were charged with murder and a 21-year-old from Wollert was charged with affray and violent disorder, after facing Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday and then remanded in custody.

A 22-year-old from Taylors Hill and a 20-year-old from Epping were also interviewed by police and charged on Saturday evening.

The Taylors Hill man was charged with violent disorder, affray and committing an indictable offence while on bail and was remanded in custody to appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Monday

The Epping man was charged with violent disorder and affray and was bailed to appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Bob Hill said the incident was “incredibly distressing” with a “senseless” loss of life.

“Our thoughts are very much with the Riak family at this time, who are no doubt suffering an immeasurable amount of grief,” Assistant Commissioner Hill said.

“We will continue to ensure all the relevant support services are made available to them.”

Slain Saltie was ‘excited’ about starting a new chapter in Darwin

THE Perth-based family of late Darwin Saltie Alier Riak have been left devastated by his loss, remembering he was “really excited” about moving to the Territory to launch his Top End basketball career.

Alier Riak, 23, who was born in Kenyan refugee camp but moved to Australia in 2005, was killed following a fatal stabbing in Melbourne’s Docklands, with police estimating “up to 10” people were involved.

His older brother, Kuol, 26, and younger sibling, Ajak, 21, were celebrating Alier’s 23rd birthday on Saturday night.

Kuol, who was also seriously injured in the attack, remains in a serious but stable condition in hospital but is expected to live.

Talking to the NT News from his Ellenbrook home, Alier’s brother, Thon Riak, 30, said the grim news had not fully sunk in yet.

“It’s really hard, I’m still in a state of shock,” Thon said.

“It doesn’t really feel like something has happened yet.

“I’m slowly processing it at the moment. I’m in the process of accepting it.”

Alier Riak (rop right) and his family. Picture: Supplied.

He remembered his brother as a “humble guy”, “very goal minded”, focused and popular.

“He was really committed to the things he was doing,” he said.

“He really loved to be around his family. He was a very driven human being.”

Thon also said Alier was “really excited” about coming to Darwin

“When he got offered the chance to play in Darwin, he was really excited to start another chapter and put the energy back in his basketball again,” he said.

“He was happy to play in Darwin instead of Western Australia. He wanted that focus... being in Darwin was going to be very different to home.”

Alier’s uncle, Dr Ajak, said the family was shattered.

“The family is crying and devastated and is seeking justice,” he said.

“It’s difficult, but the community is supporting them.

“Young people who were looking up to Alier, he was a mentor, he impacted so many lives.

“And those children are devastated as we speak.”

Saltie slain following Melbourne stabbing

A Darwin Salties recruit has died after being stabbed in the Melbourne CBD on Sunday morning following an “earlier dispute”, police say.

Alier Riak, who was unveiled as a Salties signing on February 23, was killed and his brother, 26, seriously injured after the pair were stabbed during a violent brawl on Bourke St about 3.20am.

Police found 23-year-old Riak, who had travelled to Melbourne from Western Australia on March 12, with serious stab wounds to his upper body but he died a short time after.

Police believe “up to ten” men were involved in the stabbing following an earlier “dispute” at a nearby hotel.

At a press conference on Tuesday morning, Victoria Police Detective Superintendent Paul O’Halloran said the pair walked back towards their car but were “set upon” by the group of males.

“Knives were produced, both were stabbed,” Det Supt O’Halloran told reporters on Tuesday.

He said Riak’s 26-year-old brother was in a “serious but stable” condition.

“We do expect that person to survive, which is fortunate,” he said.

Riak was due to arrive in Darwin on Tuesday, NT News understands.

In a statement, Salties head coach Matt Flynn said he was in “disbelief” when he first heard the news of Riak’s passing.

“This is just devastating (for his family) and everyone,” Flynn said.

“The last thing we spoke about (last Friday) was how excited we both were to start this new journey together.

Alier Riak was a rising basketball star who was stabbed to death in Melbourne. Picture: Supplied.

“He had such a raw passion that shone through every time we spoke about basketball and life… he was pumped.

“I am still in a bit of shock to be truthful.”

Flynn said Riak would remain part of the Salties’ program “always” and the club would honour his “legacy that he never got a chance to start”.

In a Facebook post, Riak’s friend Major Wutchok said the basketballer was out in Melbourne celebrating his 23rd birthday with his two brothers, cousin and best friend.

The Salties announced on February 23 that Alier had signed with the club, with Flynn impressed by his recruit’s size and versatility.

“It was clear he really wants to challenge himself to be the best player he can be and he will be given every opportunity to do that here in Darwin,” Flynn said.

Riak had previously played college basketball in the United States for the Winona State Warriors.

No arrests have been made over the attack.