Wyndham Vale Murders February 2023
Police are expected to investigate whether a double shooting in Hoppers Crossing is linked to the home invasion murder of two men in Wyndham Vale a month ago.
Two men suffered gunshot wounds and a third was stabbed during Tuesday night’s brutal confrontation at a home in Bayview Crescent. The assailants who allegedly stabbed and shot the three people remain on the run after police released four people that were arrested on Wednesday morning.
Today, Detective Acting Inspector Chris Ellway from the Armed Crime Squad stated that police were searching for up to six assailants suspected of using a shotgun, multiple knives, and machetes in the attack.
The group arrested at the scene have been released as police believe they are witnesses to the attack in which a 29-year-old man was stabbed, while a 23-year-old man was shot in the lower body. A 19-year-old man was taken to hospital with upper body injuries.
One line of inquiry for investigators is expected to be any link with the shootings of Atem Atem, 29, and Ayuel Akuei, 22, in Carmichael Drive, Wyndham Vale on February 11. In that attack, three vehicles approached the house before a large group of masked intruders got out and opened fire on the victims in the garage.
A pet dog was also shot during the incident. At this stage the murders of Mr Atem and Mr Akuei remain unsolved.
The latest violence saw two men shot and another stabbed in an aggravated burglary at Hoppers Crossing. Police have been told the violence erupted after a car was driven into the home’s garage on Bayview Crescent at about 8.45pm on Tuesday. Fighting then broke out between men from the car and residents of the home.
Police cordoned off a large section of the street on Wednesday morning, as well as Aitken Avenue Park across from the house. The home was left with a busted garage and damaged windows.
Four members from the Viper taskforce — which targets outlaw gangs — were seen holding discussions with a detective. The task force was launched last year in a crackdown on street and organised crime.
Detectives from the Victoria Police armed crime squad are investigating. Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
