Seven charged over alleged pack attack that killed Lino Atem

Seven people have been charged in connection with the alleged pack attack that resulted in the death of 24-year-old Lino Atem in Melbourne's west nearly two years ago.

Lino Atem died at the scene of the alleged stabbing in Melbourne's west on January 10, 2025, after being allegedly stabbed 26 times in a reserve on Haines Drive in Wyndham Vale.

A children's court heard that 18 youths stormed the park in what prosecutors described as a riot with weapons as Lino's group was preparing to leave, attacking the group before fleeing in cars.

"My son called me … he said, 'I can't believe it. Lino is dead like Atem two years ago'", Lino's father Deng Atem said.

"I want justice."

Three 17-year-old boys and four men, including two 18-year-olds, a 20-year-old and a 21-year-old, were charged with manslaughter on Wednesday morning after raids across Melbourne.

The court was told that DNA evidence had been found on a machete located at the scene and a beer bottle located inside a car connected to the accused young men.

The court heard that some DNA collected from the scene matched one of the co-accused, and one of the co-accused is on bail for unrelated drug offences.

CCTV and items of clothing would also be central to their case.

Prosecutors told the court they had not ruled out additional suspects, and that the investigation was continuing.

Some of the accused youths will return to court for a committal hearing next month.

The charges come nearly two years after Lino's death and are the most significant breakthrough in the investigation since police arrested 13 youths over the fatal attack last year.

Lino's death followed the shooting death of his brother Atem at their Wyndham Vale home in February 2023.

Investigation and charges

Police estimated that more than 160 detectives across the Homicide Squad, Crime Command and the north-western region were involved in those raids, which spanned 15 properties.

The 20 and 21-year-old men charged over Lino's death were due to appear in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court later on Wednesday night.

Two of the 17-year-old boys are expected to apply for bail on Thursday.