Teen charged with murder
A 16-year-old boy will face court today charged with murder following an incident in Weston last month.
Officers were called to a disturbance at the skate park on Dillon Close about 1am on Sunday, 27 September 2020. Two people had received stab wounds - an 18-year-old man who died at the scene, and a 16-year-old boy was taken to hospital.
Police will allege earlier that evening numerous young people made threats to each other online which escalated to a point that they agreed to meet to fight.
A large group of young people gathered at the Weston skate park and it’s alleged the 16-year-old used a knife to stab the victim multiple times.
Detective Superintendent Scott Moller said this was a traumatic incident for everyone involved.
“There’s a family deeply grieving the loss of their son and because we must seek justice, another family is potentially facing life-long consequences for what happened that night,” Detective Superintendent Moller said.
“This has been a tough investigation for detectives, it’s always very sad when young people are involved in serious crime.
“When police were called it was too late to make a difference and that’s shattering for us because we are here to help anyone in trouble.”
Detective Superintendent Moller pleaded with young people to reach out to a trusted adult or police to step in when situations may be escalating online.
It is an offence for anyone to use technology to threaten, intimidate, harass or humiliate someone – with the intent to hurt them socially, psychologically or even physically on any social networking site.
“Cyber abuse and cyberbullying can quickly intensify in scale and nature, and feel deeply personal,” Detective Superintendent Moller said.
“It can be hard but try not to respond or retaliate. If possible switch off your phone for a while and seek help.
“Before you block or delete the person and comments, make sure you save the evidence of what has occurred. This can help a police investigation if it’s needed.
“You can attend your local police station, call 131 444 or if there is an immediate threat to your safety call Emergency Triple Zero (000).
“It may not seem like it at the time but I promise you, you won’t regret asking for help if you’re being abused or bullied online – it could save your life.”
Police would still like to speak to anyone who was involved in the fight or aware of what occurred prior to the murder.
Anyone with information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Please quote reference 6638633. Information can be provided anonymously.
Media enquiries
Police Media — (02) 5126 9070, act-police-media@afp.gov.au