Melbourne Police Probe Links Between NYE Stabbing and Fatal Fitzroy Shooting
Police in Melbourne are investigating potential connections between a New Year's Eve double stabbing in Carlton and a fatal shooting in Fitzroy that occurred on January 3.
Investigations have led to multiple arrests and charges in both incidents, with authorities establishing a dedicated operation to address the alleged crimes.
New Year's Eve Stabbing in Carlton
Around 11:45 PM on New Year's Eve, two men sustained serious injuries during an alleged stabbing incident on Lygon Street in Carlton, Melbourne. The victims, identified as a 20-year-old man from Heidelberg West and an 18-year-old man from New South Wales, were reportedly attacked by a group of approximately seven individuals armed with machetes and knives.
Victoria Police detectives, including units from the gang crime squad, VIPER organised crime taskforce, and crime investigation unit, conducted arrests in connection with the incident. A police spokesperson stated that the incident is alleged to have been deliberate, with the parties involved known to each other.
Charges have been filed against two individuals:
- A 21-year-old Fitzroy man has been charged with violent disorder, intentionally causing serious injury, and affray. He was remanded in custody.
- A 17-year-old boy has been charged with the same offenses and remanded to appear in a children's court.
Additionally, a 19-year-old from Carlton and a 21-year-old from Reservoir were arrested and subsequently released pending further investigations. One report also mentioned a 21-year-old Richmond man being charged in connection with the Lygon Street incident, alongside the Fitzroy man and 17-year-old boy.
Fatal Shooting in Fitzroy
On January 3, 16-year-old Ater Good was fatally shot near the intersection of Brunswick and King William streets in Fitzroy, Melbourne, in an alleged drive-by incident.
Police have arrested and charged multiple individuals in connection with the shooting. A fourth individual, a 20-year-old man from Heidelberg, was arrested and charged with murder. During his arrest, two shotguns were reportedly seized from a property. He was scheduled to appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court.
Three other men were previously charged with murder in relation to the incident:
- A 19-year-old man from Heidelberg West.
- A 20-year-old man from Bundoora.
- A 21-year-old man from Heidelberg, who was apprehended at Melbourne Airport.
All three have been remanded to appear before Melbourne Magistrates' Court on June 15.
As part of the investigation, a 31-year-old Heidelberg man was arrested but later released pending further inquiries. Raids were conducted at three properties in Heidelberg and two in Heidelberg West.
Interconnected Investigations
Authorities are actively investigating potential links between the New Year's Eve stabbing in Carlton and the fatal shooting in Fitzroy. Detectives, regional police, and special units have established Operation Firelong to investigate both alleged crimes and to prevent further violence. Both investigations are ongoing.