A 13-year-old boy, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, has walked free from a children's court after charges of violent disorder, affray, and intentionally causing injury were dismissed. The boy had been accused of involvement in a group assault that led to the death of Van Viet Truong, a 60-year-old grocer.
Mr. Truong died from serious injuries after he stepped in to help another retailer who was allegedly being attacked by a group of youths in Sunshine, a western suburb of Melbourne. The incident occurred on August 1 when a group of youths allegedly stole items from a clothing store near Mr. Truong's grocery shop. A worker from the clothing store reportedly chased the group, leading to the alleged assault.
Prosecutors indicated at an earlier hearing that new evidence had emerged suggesting the 13-year-old may have been exonerated. The court was previously told that members of the group turned on Mr. Truong when he came to the aid of the clothing store worker and another witness. Witnesses reported that the grocer was dragged to the ground, hitting his head on the pavement, before being repeatedly struck by members of the group.
Mr. Truong was rushed to hospital in an induced coma and died four days later after life support was switched off. Witnesses described hearing a 'cracking sound' when his head hit the pavement and later observed him 'changing colours and not moving' with 'bubbling' sounds coming from his mouth.
Two 14-year-old girls and a 12-year-old boy, also accused in connection with the incident, were granted bail. Another boy, aged 15, remains in youth detention, facing a manslaughter charge for allegedly dragging the grocer to the ground.
