Seven charged following Cobblebank deaths

Homicide Squad detectives have charged seven people today as part of their investigation into the deaths of two children in Cobblebank earlier this month.

Warrants were executed from 6am this morning with assistance from VIPER Taskforce and local police at properties in Melton South, Thornhill Park, Caroline Springs, Sunbury, Wollert, Hillside and Sydenham (2).

A 19-year-old Thornhill man, a16-year-old Sunbury boy, a 15-year-old Hillside boy and a 16-year-old Sydenham boy have been charged with the murder of 15-year-old Dau Akueng.

A 19-year-old Caroline Springs man, an 18-year-old Wollert man and a 16-year-old Sydenham boy have been charged with the murder of 12-year-old Chol Achiek.

The three adults will face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court this afternoon.

The four children will face a children’s court this afternoon.

The charges follow two incidents in Cobblebank on Saturday, 6 September that resulted in the deaths of 15-year-old Dau Akueng and 12-year-old Chol Achiek.

Emergency services were initially called shortly before 8pm that night following reports two children has been fatally injured.

Chol was subsequently located on Marble Drive while Dau was located on Cobble Street.

Both of the boys were bravely assisted by members of the public before they sadly passed away at the scene.

Since the incident occurred, a significant investigation led by detectives from the Homicide Squad has been underway in an effort to identify those responsible and collect all available evidence.

Local police have also increased patrols in the Cobblebank area as part of their community reassurance efforts, and have also met with local schools, council and community leaders.

Natalie Webster

Media Unit
141357