Detectives from Homicide Squad apprehend suspects after extensive investigation
Three males have been apprehended by detectives from the Homicide Squad in connection with the death of a teenage boy in St Albans last month. The arrest took place today, and search warrants were executed at residences in Wyndham Vale, Deer Park, and Fitzroy. The investigation involved multiple units, including the Gang Crime Squad, VIPER Taskforce, and Yarra Crime Investigation Unit.
The individuals arrested include an 18-year-old man from Tarneit, a 17-year-old boy from Wyndham Vale, and another 17-year-old boy from Deer Park. Following police interviews, all three have been charged with murder and are scheduled to appear in a children’s court tomorrow.
The arrests follow an incident on June 26 in St Albans, where a 14-year-old Ethan Huoc from Braybrook lost his life.
Ethan and his companions were caught on CCTV sprinting along a road close to Ginifer station in St Albans at 10.45pm on Monday, following a school vacation outing to the city.
Shortly after, an unexpected light-colored midsize SUV emerged and started tailing the teenagers on Bailey St.
Afterward, investigators obtained video evidence of the horrifying incident in which two masked men leaped out of the car holding knives, assaulting Ethan while he was lying on the street.
Emergency services responded to a report of an injured male found on Bailey Street shortly after 11 pm. It is believed that Ethan was both struck by a vehicle and stabbed. Despite the paramedics’ efforts, the teenager passed away during transportation to the hospital. Two other teenage boys who were present at the scene escaped physical harm.
Detective Inspector Dean Thomas of the Homicide Squad commented on the case, stating, “A significant investigation has been underway since this incident occurred, led by the Homicide Squad and with the support of a range of specialist units from across Victoria Police.” He emphasized the importance of promptly identifying those responsible and ensuring accountability, stating, “Our priority was to identify those responsible for this matter as soon as possible and ensure we do everything we can to hold them to account. This is what the public expects of us when we see significantly violent offending of this nature.” Inspector Thomas acknowledged the impact such incidents have on communities, remarking, “Incidents such as this really strike at the heart of our communities and the feeling of safety everyone is entitled to have. Any death under circumstances like this is distressing, but to see someone so young and vulnerable robbed of his future in this way is completely heart-breaking.”
Anyone with relevant information regarding the case is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
