Just before 6 p.m. yesterday, emergency responders hurried to Mernda Station on Bridge Inn Road after receiving reports of a violent altercation involving multiple people.
According to Detective Acting Inspector Nigel L’Estrange of Victoria Police, the incident involved a 22-year-old local resident who attempted to shield a 14-year-old student from harm during the scuffle.
“He was not confrontational at all; he simply aimed to extract the young boy from danger. Tragically, his intervention cost him his life,” L’Estrange shared with 9News.
Paramedics found the 22-year-old at the scene, suffering from critical injuries. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
Authorities subsequently detained four teenagers, aged 16, 18, and two 17-year-olds, in connection with the incident.
On Saturday evening, homicide detectives formally charged a 17-year-old from Greater Geelong and a 16-year-old from Whittlesea with murder and armed robbery. They are scheduled to appear in a children’s court at a future date.
An 18-year-old man from Mill Park has also been charged with murder and armed robbery and will face the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court tomorrow.
The 17-year-old, who is from the City of Yarra, remains under police guard at hospital and is yet to be interviewed.
Earlier in the day, the 22-year-old’s emotional loved ones consoled each other at the station.
Police said weapons and a machete sheath were found near the scene, where homicide detective spent hours combing for clues.
The exact circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated.
There will be an increased police presence at Mernda Station in the coming days to reassure the community.
The incident comes more than a week after the state introduced its ‘adult time for violent crime’ laws.
Government minister Mary-Anne Thomas said the message to young people across Victoria was clear.
“If you commit violent crime you will be serving adult time,” Thomas said.
Opposition leader Jess Wilson argued “cops are down and crime is up” under Premier Jacinta Allan.
“In the last 24 hours we have seen the tragic consequences once again,” Wilson said.
“It’s cowardly, it’s shocking and it’s not something we want to see in our streets.”
NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.
