SEVEN TEENAGERS ARRESTED OVER BRUTAL MURDER OF TWO CHILDREN IN MELBOURNE SUBURB: Police Crack Down on Gang Violence After Senseless Slaying of Dau Akueng, 15, and Chol Achiek, 12
- Seven teenagers, including two 19-year-olds, an 18-year-old, and four minors, arrested over the stabbing deaths of two children in Cobblebank, Melbourne
- Dau Akueng, 15, and Chol Achiek, 12, ambushed and killed while walking home from a basketball game on September 6
- Police execute search warrants at seven homes across Melbourne, with investigation described as “exhaustive and complex”
Seven teenagers have been arrested in connection with the senseless murder of two young boys in a Melbourne suburb, bringing some solace to the devastated families and community.
Dau Akueng, 15, and Chol Achiek, 12, were brutally stabbed to death while walking home from a basketball game in Cobblebank on September 6. The community was left reeling from the shocking incident, with many struggling to comprehend the sheer brutality of the attack.
Following an exhaustive and complex investigation, police executed search warrants at seven homes across Melton South, Thornhill Park, Caroline Springs, Sunbury, Wollert, Hillside, and Sydenham on Friday morning. Two 19-year-old men, an 18-year-old man, three 16-year-old boys, and a 15-year-old boy were arrested and will be interviewed by police.
“The word senseless has been used so many times already in relation to the deaths of Dau Akueng and Chol Achiek, because the reality is that it doesn’t make sense,” said Assistant Commissioner Martin O’Brien. “Two children walking home after playing sport, who should have had decades of their lives ahead of them. Instead, their devastated families are grieving their loss and all the things they will never get to see two children grow up to achieve and experience.”
In the wake of the tragedy, local police have increased patrols in the Cobblebank area in a bid to reassure the community. O’Brien acknowledged that locals would be feeling shocked and concerned by the violent incident but said police were continuing to target those involved in serious crimes and put those responsible before the courts.
“Our thoughts are with the Akeung and Achiek families, and we will continue to ensure all available support services remain in place at this difficult time,” he said.
The investigation into the boys’ deaths is ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.