Homicide Squad detectives yesterday charged seven people today as part of their investigation into the deaths of two children in Cobblebank earlier this month.
Warrants were executed from 6am Friday with assistance from VIPER Taskforce and local police at properties in Melton South, Thornhill Park, Caroline Springs, Sunbury, Wollert, Hillside and Sydenham.
A 19-year-old Thornhill man, a 16-year-old Sunbury boy, a 15-year-old Hillside boy and a 16-year-old Sydenham boy have been charged with the murder of 15-year-old Dau Akueng.
A 19-year-old Caroline Springs man, an 18-year-old Wollert man and a 16-year-old Sydenham boy have been charged with the murder of 12-year-old Chol Achiek.
The three adults faced Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday afternoon and were remanded in custody.
The four children faced a children’s court yesterday afternoon and were also remanded in custody.
The charges follow two incidents in Cobblebank on Saturday, September 6, that resulted in the deaths of 15-year-old Dau Akueng and 12-year-old Chol Achiek.
Authorities at the time described the scene as “one of the worst” knife crimes they had seen.
Emergency services were initially called shortly before 8pm that night following reports two children has been fatally injured.
Chol was subsequently located on Marble Drive while Dau was located on Cobble Street.
Members of the public bravely assisted both of the boys before they sadly passed away at the scene.
Since the incident occurred, a significant investigation led by detectives from the Homicide Squad has been underway to identify those responsible and gather all available evidence.
Local police have also increased patrols in the Cobblebank area as part of their community reassurance efforts, and have also met with local schools, council and community leaders, including a local community meeting with Sudanese immigrants last night.
The Victorian government has reconvened a South Sudanese Australian youth justice expert working group in response to the deaths.
Funerals for the boys will be held late next week.
- With Australian Associated Press and Joshua Allan for ABC News Melbourne
