A Melbourne teenager is facing adult prison after participating in a violent home invasion during which he filmed himself shooting and stabbing a 61-year-old victim. The 18-year-old offender, who was 17 at the time of the July 2025 attack, is one of the first minors to be transferred from the Children's Court to the serious crimes division of the Melbourne County Court under a new law enacted in February.
The new legislation allows children to be prosecuted as adults for violent offenses. The teen, who cannot be named for legal reasons, now faces a potential sentence of up to 25 years in adult prison, a significant increase from the penalties available in the Children's Court. He pleaded guilty to aggravated home invasion.
The home invasion occurred at approximately 1:20 a.m. on July 24, 2025, when the teen and several associates stormed a residence in Gladstone Park. The group, armed with a handgun, knife, and hammer, initially attempted to force entry through the front door before entering via a rear sliding door. Another individual remained outside with a firearm, and a fifth waited in a stolen getaway vehicle.
Inside, the attackers encountered Kemal Akbulut and his cousin, Birsel Akbulut. The court heard that Kemal Akbulut immediately fell to his knees and pleaded with the offenders. Ms. Akbulut, attempting to flee, was confronted by an armed assailant who threatened to shoot her dog, stating the group was searching for Ibrahim El Sayah.
Kemal Akbulut was subjected to repeated assaults, including being stabbed, shot, and beaten with a hammer. The teen pointed a handgun at Mr. Akbulut while another attacker struck him from behind with a hammer. The victim fell to the ground and was hit three more times. The teen then shot Mr. Akbulut in the forearm. CCTV footage captured both the shooting and the teen filming the attack with his mobile phone. The footage was later leaked and widely circulated on social media.
Despite multiple attempts, the handgun the teen pointed at Mr. Akbulut failed to fire on several occasions. The attackers also stole an Omega watch, bags, earbuds, and cash. The entire ordeal lasted approximately seven minutes.
Following the invasion, the stolen SUV used as a getaway vehicle was found torched the same morning. Investigators pieced together the crime using CCTV, phone data, and clothing evidence. The teen was arrested in Queensland after fleeing the state. His associate, Anthony Taban, 19, was arrested at his home in Tarneit.
Messages found on Taban's phone indicated the attackers discussed videos of the crime. A Snapchat message from the teen stated, "Where's the vids… we need that to get paid," suggesting a financial motive linked to the footage.
Mr. Akbulut sustained 13 stab wounds, a gunshot wound, and multiple hammer blows, requiring extensive medical treatment and likely suffering long-term psychological issues. Ms. Akbulut also experienced significant mental trauma. The teen and Taban have also pleaded guilty to intentionally causing serious injury in circumstances of gross violence and will face court again at a later date.