Crime Command detectives have arrested 13 people this morning as part of the Homicide Squad investigation into the death of Lino Atem in Wyndham Vale earlier this year.
Fifteen warrants were executed from 5:30am this morning in Aintree, Deer Park, Manor Lakes, Sunshine West, Albanvale, Mornington, Werribee, Deanside, Hoppers Crossing, Melton South, Keilor and Braybrook
These warrants involved over 160 detectives from the Homicide Squad, Crime Command and North West Metro Region.
Police will now interview all thirteen.
Police also seized several items from the addresses including two motor vehicles.
Today’s arrests form part of the Homicide Squad investigation into the fatal stabbing of Lino Atem in Wyndham Vale in January.
Emergency services were initially called to a group of men fighting in a park on Haines Drive, near Ribblesdale Avenue, about 11:30pm on Friday, 10 January.
Lino had been in the park with two friends, when another group confronted them.
During the altercation, the 24-year-old from Wyndham Vale was fatally stabbed.
He received medical treatment but sadly passed away at the scene.
His friends, two 27-year-old men both from Wyndham Vale, sustained non-life threatening injuries during the incident and were taken to hospital for treatment.
While the exact motivation for the fatal attack is yet to be determined, police believe it was a case of mistaken identity.
Sadly, Lino’s brother Atem was killed during an incident at his Wyndham Vale home in February 2023.
The 29-year-old was fatally shot at his Carmichael Drive address.
A 22-year-old man was also fatally injured during the incident, while a 25-year-old man sustained life-threatening injuries. A family dog was also shot and killed.
At this stage there is nothing to indicate the deaths of Lino and Atem are 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.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam/CCTV footage, or any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
