Eight individuals are now facing murder charges related to the deaths of 15-year-old Dau Akueng and 12-year-old Chol Achiek, who died in Cobblebank last September. This development follows recent court proceedings where the parents of one of the accused, a 16-year-old male, provided testimony, and details emerged regarding a weapon linked to the case.
Tragic Incident Details
On September 6, Dau Akueng, 15, and Chol Achiek, 12, were found with serious injuries a short distance apart in Cobblebank, an outer north-west suburb of Melbourne. Chol Achiek was located on Marble Drive, and Dau Akueng on Cobble Street.
Emergency services responded to calls around 8 PM. Members of the public assisted both boys, but they died at the scene. They were reportedly walking home from a basketball match when the incident occurred.
Charges Filed in Double Murder Case
In September, seven individuals, comprising three adults and four teenagers, were initially charged in connection with the deaths. The initial charges were laid as follows:
- A 19-year-old Thornhill man, a 16-year-old boy, a 15-year-old boy, and another 16-year-old boy were charged with the murder of Dau Akueng.
- A 19-year-old Caroline Springs man, an 18-year-old Wollert man, and a 16-year-old boy were charged with the murder of Chol Achiek.
More recently, homicide detectives filed additional murder charges.
A total of eight individuals, previously implicated in the case, now face murder charges related to both alleged deaths.
Authorities did not provide specific details regarding the reasons for these additional charges, stating they are part of the ongoing investigation. All eight individuals remain in custody and are scheduled to appear in court at a date yet to be specified. The cases are currently proceeding in the magistrates' and children's courts.
Court Proceedings Reveal Key Evidence
During proceedings at the Melbourne Magistrates' Court, the parents of one of the accused, a 16-year-old boy, were compelled to give evidence despite their objections.
The mother testified that she was aware her son had left their home on the night of the incident and discovered him with a sword the following day. She also stated that the weapon damaged her car interior when she drove her son to his father's house. She sent a text message to her son stating, "Thanks to ruining my seat you absolute f---ing asshole," to which he responded, "Sorry for that can i pay to fix it."
The mother expressed concerns that testifying would damage her relationship with her son, who had reportedly not spoken to her for four months.
The accused's father testified that he subsequently took the weapon and stored it in his locked shed. He maintained that he had not seen the weapon before his son brought it to his house and had not discussed the killings with the teen. His objection to testifying was overruled by Magistrate Stephen Ballek.
The sword was later seized by police as evidence from the father's shed. Crown prosecutor Kristy Churchill stated that forensic analysis of the blade revealed blood believed to belong to one of the victims, and DNA suspected to be from the 16-year-old accused was found on the handle. The 16-year-old accused observed his parents' testimonies via videolink from custody.