17yo charged with orchestrating attack that led to stabbing death of Luke Manassa

A 17-year-old has been charged for allegedly ordering the hit that led to Luke Manassa’s fatal stabbing in a tragic case of mistaken identity.

A 17-year-old has been accused of allegedly issuing the attack contract that led to the fatal stabbing of 21-year-old Luke Manassa in a tragic case of mistaken identity.

Mr Manassa was allegedly stabbed after arriving with his girlfriend at a home in Driftway Dr, Pemulwuy, in Sydney’s west, about 10.45pm on June 26.

Despite being able to get back into his car and drive a short distance, he succumbed to his injuries and could not be revived. He died at the scene.

NSW Police were told two people wearing disguises and dark clothing had attacked Mr Manassa.

Luke Manassa was fatally stabbed at Pemulwuy on June 26 in a case of mistaken identity

He was just 21 years old.

Two boys, aged 16 and 17, were arrested in early July in Mount Druitt and South Penrith respectively and charged with Mr Manassa’s murder.

On Wednesday, detectives executed a search warrant in Blacktown and arrested another 17-year-old boy about 7am.

He was taken to Blacktown Police Station, where he was charged with manslaughter and knowingly/recklessly direct criminal group assist crime.

He was refused bail and appeared at a children’s court on Wednesday.

Police will allege in court the teen issued the contract to carry out the attack on another man, but Mr Manassa was targeted in a case of mistaken identity.

Mr Manassa did not live at the Pemulwuy home but was known to visit the property. Police have previously said the owner of the Pemulwuy home was known to them.

Luke Manassa's coffin in brought out of the Our Lady of Lebanon Co-cathedral at the close of his funeral service. Picture: NewsWire / John Appleyard

Detective Superintendent Joseph Doueihi on July 4 said investigators were yet to confirm a clear motive, however mistaken identity was “more than likely”.

“It perhaps (was) the wrong target … more than likely, this is a case of mistaken identity, but it’s still early days before we can absolutely confirm that,” he said.

Superintendent Doueihi described the attack as “very amateurish” and said it lacked the evidence of planning typically seen in gang-related hits, including expensive getaway cars or firebombed vehicles.

Mr Manassa’s funeral in the week after his death was an emotional affair.

His mother Theresa Manassa was photographed in tears, hugging close family and friends at the conclusion of a touching memorial attended by hundreds.

Luke's mother Theresa at the close of the funeral. Picture: NewsWire / John Appleyard

The end of the funeral was marked by the release of 21 white doves, commemorating Luke’s 21 years, along with basketball balloons – a sport he loved.

An emotional haka was led by Luke’s Polynesian colleagues at Mann Group.

Several police cars watched on nearby as hundreds gathered for the service.

A guard of honour was formed leading to the church, made up of employees from the family business Mann Group – dressed in fluorescent orange construction shirts – and schoolchildren from nearby parishes.

Police said investigations under Strike Force Hickety are ongoing.

Originally published as 17yo charged with orchestrating attack that led to stabbing death of Luke Manassa