Homicide Squad Collaborates with Multiple Units in Apprehending Suspects
Nine males have been apprehended by the Homicide Squad detectives in connection with a February incident in Wyndham Vale where two men lost their lives and one was seriously injured.
Working alongside several units including the Gang Crime Squad, VIPER Taskforce, Dog Squad, Westgate Divisional Response Unit, Brimbank and Melton Offender Management Team, and the North West Metro Regional Crime Squad, law enforcement executed twelve search warrants.
Over the course of Tuesday and Wednesday, a total of nine individuals were taken into custody, namely a 22-year-old man from Tarneit, a 17-year-old boy from Tarneit, an 18-year-old man from Kings Park, a 19-year-old man from Keilor Downs, a 20-year-old man from Fraser Rise, a 20-year-old man from Brookfield, a 21-year-old man from Fitzroy North, a 22-year-old man from Derrimut, and a 21-year-old man from Hallam.
Following police interviews, all nine were released pending further investigation.
The arrests stem from an incident on February 11, during which two men were fatally injured and another sustained life-threatening injuries. Emergency services responded to the scene on Carmichael Drive following reports of a stabbing and gunfire.
The deceased victims have been identified as 29-year-old Atem Atem and 22-year-old Ayuel Akuei, both residents of Wyndham Vale. A 23-year-old man from Wyndham Vale was also hospitalized with life-threatening injuries. Two other individuals present in the garage at the time were unharmed, but a pet dog on the premises was fatally shot.
Two Dead, One Critical, After Wyndham Vale Shooting.
The incident was first believed to be a deliberate attack on the address, with investigators treating it as gang-related. However, it is now believed that the victims were not the intended targets.
Since the incident occurred, an extensive investigation has been conducted involving specialized investigators from the Homicide Squad and Gang Crime Squad, as well as local police.
Numerous individuals have been interviewed, and hundreds of hours of CCTV footage have been reviewed in an effort to determine the motive and identify the perpetrators. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers.
