Three teenagers have been charged with murder after a 22-year-old man was fatally stabbed while trying to intervene in a fight at Mernda train station in Melbourne's north-east. The victim, described as a good Samaritan, stepped in to protect a 14-year-old schoolboy from a group of attackers on Friday evening.
Police said the man was assaulted with fists, kicks and edged weapons in what Detective Inspector Nigel L'Estrange called a 'savage attack'. The victim suffered life-threatening injuries and died at the scene despite paramedics' efforts.
Four male teens were arrested, including a 16-year-old from Whittlesea, two 17-year-olds from Geelong and the City of Yarra, and an 18-year-old from Mill Park. The 16-year-old, one 17-year-old and the 18-year-old, Mike Pikos, have been charged with murder and armed robbery.
Pikos appeared at Melbourne Magistrates Court on Sunday, where he was remanded in custody without bail. The court heard it was his first time in custody and he would be a vulnerable prisoner due to his age and appearance. He is due to return to court on 24 June. The second 17-year-old remains under police guard in hospital and has not yet been interviewed.
Detective Inspector L'Estrange said the victim was simply trying to do the right thing by intervening and protecting the schoolboy. 'He hasn't been aggressive at all, tried to remove him from the scene, and as a result of his interaction, he's now lost his life,' he said.
Health and Ambulance Services Minister Mary-Anne Thomas expressed concern over the incident, highlighting the government's recent toughened youth crime laws. Opposition police spokesperson Brad Battin criticised Labor's handling of youth crime, citing police shortages and station closures.
