Moe man, 32, allegedly stabbed to death on Fowler St in Moe

A man allegedly stabbed to death in the Latrobe Valley was found bleeding heavily on the street by police, who worked desperately to try to save him.

A man is dead after a suspected stabbing in Fowler St Moe in the Latrobe Valley on Monday. Picture: Jack Colantuono

A man allegedly stabbed to death at Moe in the Latrobe Valley was found on the street by police in a hysterical state moments before he died.

Emergency services were called to the scene on O’Brien Lane near Fowler St just before 4.30pm Monday, where the 32-year-old Moe man was located with critical injuries.

Victoria police homicide squad Detective Inspector Dean Thomas said the victim, described as African descent, had earlier caught a bus from George St in Morwell with a 26-year-old woman before travelling to George St in Moe about 3.20pm – little more than an hour before the tragedy unfolded.

SES crews set up a tarp at the scene on Fowler St in Moe on Monday night. Picture: Jack Colantuono

“Police arrived and performed CPR on that male and an ambulance shortly thereafter and continued that but unfortunately the male passed away from injuries he had received,” Inspector Thomas said.

“They have then walked in the company of another male to this location in O’Brien Lane – and that’s best described as an unused office block that appears to be used as a squat of some sort,” Inspector Thomas said.

“Within a short period of time, the deceased exited the property clearly injured and then he’s collapsed on the ground and subsequently police were called by a witness nearby.

“We’ve spoken to the female and we’ve also spoken to a male that were in his company.

“We’re still trying to identify some other persons that were at that location trying to identify who they are so we can speak to them to find out what exactly they know, and help us to determine what has gone on inside that vacant property.”

Police remained on scene of the incident on Monday night. Picture: Jack Colantuono

Inspector Thomas confirmed the victim suffered stab wounds but could not comment on how many he sustained and what weapons were used.

“Homicide squad detectives were called and they’ve been working late into last night and overnight and continued the investigation today to try and determine the circumstances that have led to this male’s injuries.”

“We’re still working through that with our Crime scene examiners and we’re working to determine what exactly was used,” he said.

“We don’t know who has done what at this point in time — what we do know is there appears to be a few people at that location and it’s occurred within the confines of the building.”

A forensics team arrived in Moe about 9pm to assist at the scene. Picture: Jack Colantuono

Inspector Thomas said the individuals were known to police.

“They appear to know each other, some of them perhaps appear to be homeless,” he said.

“We’re still trying to work through and understand that.

“(The building) is clearly being used as a squat, we’re working with local police here in Moe and there will be increased patrols in the area.”

Victoria police homicide squad Detective Inspector Dean Thomas addresses media outside the Moe police station on Tuesday in relation to both the Moe and Cowes deaths. Picture: Jack Colantuono

Inspector Thomas said the victim was wearing a bright red top with a blue jacket on top and a backwards cap on while the female wore a bright yellow jacket on and cap.

“ … I think they would probably stand out a bit and the female was carrying a number of bags,” he said.

The woman of no fixed address and man were interviewed and released pending further inquiries. No charges have been laid.

“They’ve provided accounts to us and we will continue to work through what they’ve told us,” Inspector Thomas said.

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“We’re still trying to piece together why he (the victim) was there (at the building).”

It’s understood the vacant property used to be an op shop.

Another man — 86-year-old businessman and entrepreneur Paul Waylen — was found dead inside his Cowes home also on Monday.

Anyone with information, has CCTV or dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online.

Originally published as Moe man, 32, allegedly stabbed to death on Fowler St in Moe