VICTORIA
Detectives from across the Victorian Police Crime Command have arrested 13 people this morning as part of a Homicide Squad investigation into the death of a 24-year-old Wyndham Vale man, Lino Atem (pictured), who was fatally stabbed in a local park on 10 January.
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.
“Over the past two months, this matter has been subject to significant investigation by detectives from the Homicide Squad,” said Detective Acting Inspector Adam Shoesmith.
“We are hopeful that today’s arrests and warrants provide investigators with further avenues of enquiry.”
The warrants involved more than 160 detectives from the Homicide Squad, Crime Command and North West Metro Region.
Police subsequently arrested 13 people, including:
- A 15-year-old boy from the northern suburbs,
- A 16-year-old boy from the northern suburbs,
- A 17-year-old boy from the northern suburbs,
- A 17-year-old boy from the Mornington Peninsula area,
- A 16-year-old boy from the northern suburbs,
- A 23-year-old Deanside man,
- A 16-year-old boy from the northern suburbs,
- A 20-year-old Hoppers Crossing man,
- A 19-year-old Melton South man,
- An 18-year-old Werribee man,
- A 16-year-old boy from the northern suburbs,
- A 22-year-old Hoppers Crossing man, and
- A 20-year-old Braybrook man.
Police also seized a number of items from the addresses including two motor vehicles.
Mr Atem died from stab wounds following what was reported to police as a group of men fighting in a park on Haines Drive, near Ribblesdale Avenue at about 11.30pm on 10 January.
Police believe Mr Atem had been in the park with two friends, when they were confronted by another group.
He received medical treatment for stab wounds 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.
While the exact motivation for the fatal attack is yet to be determined, Police believe it was a case of mistaken identity.
“Lino was simply enjoying a night in the park socialising with friends when he was attacked. While we believe this incident was targeted, there is nothing to indicate why the group was attacked and police believe it is likely a case of mistaken identity,” said Det A/Insp Shoesmith.
“Sadly, this is the second loss for the Atem family after Lino’s brother, Atem, was fatally shot in 2023.
“We know there are people out there who can help us identify those responsible. People who may have been present at the time of the incident, or people who may have heard information about these incidents after the fact. Whatever that information is – police want to hear it. It could be details about who was involved, how the incident took place or what the motivation for the attack was. Any small detail to could the thing that makes an enormous difference.
“We can’t imagine how difficult it must be for the Atem family knowing there are people out there who could help solve this and hold their loved one’s killers to account, and yet they are choosing not to,” he said.
At this stage there is nothing to indicate the deaths of Lino and Atem are linked, Police said.
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.
