A 60-year-old shopkeeper, Van Viet Truong, has died after allegedly being attacked by a group of youths he confronted as they attempted to rob a clothing store in Sunshine, a suburb of Melbourne, Australia. The alleged assault occurred on Saturday, and new details about the incident were revealed in court on Friday.
According to a police prosecutor, Truong, owner of Hong Hung Asian Grocers, intervened when he saw youths allegedly stealing from a clothing store two doors down. The court heard that two 14-year-old girls entered the store with the intent to steal, accompanied by four other youths, including a 15-year-old boy now charged with manslaughter.
When a witness attempted to stop the girls, a struggle ensued. The court heard that a group of four to five youths then surrounded the witness and began punching him. Truong then came to the man's aid, attempting to stop the group, at which point they allegedly turned on him collectively. A male offender reportedly dragged Truong to the ground, causing his head to strike the concrete with a sound described by a witness as a "cracking sound." The prosecutor stated that the group, including males and females, repeatedly struck Truong while he was on the ground. A witness reported observing Truong changing colors and making "bubble sounds" before he became unresponsive.
The alleged offenders fled the scene towards Sunshine Railway Station. Police arrived and found Truong with severe head injuries. Authorities apprehended the youths shortly after.
Among those charged are two 14-year-old girls, a 12-year-old boy, and a 15-year-old boy. They face charges including affray, violent disorder, intentionally causing serious injury, and intentionally causing injury. The 15-year-old boy is additionally charged with manslaughter. A 13-year-old boy initially charged had his charges withdrawn.
Shockingly, several of the accused youths have been released on bail. During one bail hearing, a magistrate granted bail to a 14-year-old girl, citing her age, lack of criminal history, and a submitted limited role in the alleged offense as compelling reasons. The 15-year-old charged with manslaughter was the only one detained.
Truong had owned and operated Hong Hung Asian Grocers with his wife and mother-in-law for over two decades. The incident has drawn significant attention, particularly regarding the release of some of the accused youths back into the community following Truong's death.