Teenager's close ties to fatal stabbing victim revealed in Melbourne's youth crime crisis

A tight-knit group of Melbourne teenagers has been left reeling after a series of violent incidents in the city's northern suburbs. The group, which includes both victims and alleged offenders, has been dealing with the fallout of a youth crime crisis that has claimed at least one life and left several others injured.

Darweish Mohamed, 15, died in July after allegedly being stabbed outside a Craigieburn hospital. Five people have been charged over his death, including three teenagers charged with murder. A 13-year-old boy, who was a close friend of Darweish's, was seriously injured in a botched arson attack last Monday and is fighting for his life in hospital.

The 13-year-old and his associates allegedly drove a stolen car to a house in Taylors Hill, doused two cars and themselves in petrol, and set the vehicles alight. Police allege they tried to flee in the stolen car but crashed it as flames took hold of their clothing. The 13-year-old suffered burns to 90 per cent of his body and has undergone major skin graft surgery.

Friends of the 13-year-old say he is not a "bad kid" and was caught up in the wrong crowd. "He was never a bad kid," a friend said. "[His alleged] actions are shameful yes, but it was in the wrong crowd he was involved in. He's just a boy who wants to be respected by his friends."

The group allegedly received orders to carry out the Taylors Hill arson on WhatsApp, with a children's court hearing they were promised $3,000 for the attack. The 13-year-old's family has pleaded with young people to avoid the lure of quick cash and notoriety among their peers.

Les Twentyman Foundation chief executive Paul Burke said teenagers were particularly vulnerable to influence from older people and should not have to deal with their friends being injured or killed by violence. "These are kids who should be worrying about school, sport and spending time with their mates, not whether someone in their friendship group will be the next victim," he said. "At 12 or 13, they're still finding their place in the world, and the wrong influences can have tragic consequences. We need to reach these kids before they're drawn into dangerous situations."

The incidents have left the community on edge, with many calling for action to address the youth crime crisis. More than 15 separate fires have been lit across Melbourne in the past week, leaving dozens of victims, neighbours, and business owners terrified.