The father of a man killed in an alleged ambush at a park in Melbourne’s west has paid tribute to his son, revealing the tragedy comes after losing another of his sons to violence.
Lino Atem, 24, was with a group of six men who were allegedly set upon by a larger group at Haines Drive Reserve in Wyndham Vale at about 11.30pm on Friday.
Lino Atem was killed during a fight between two groups of men in Wyndham Vale, Melbourne. Picture: Supplied
Lino Atem was killed during a fight between two groups of men in Wyndham Vale, Melbourne. Picture: Supplied
Victoria Police believe the bigger group, who were allegedly armed with machetes and other weapons, jumped out of four white cars and went into “attack mode”.
Detective Inspector Paul Lloyd said the group of men were likely “taken by surprise” during the minutes-long altercation.
Mr Atem was found with stab wounds and died at the scene, despite efforts to save him.
Two other men, both aged 27, were transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Police on scene in Wyndham Vale where a man died of knife wounds last night after reports of youths fighting in Haines Drive Reserve. Picture: NewsWire/Ian Currie
Mr Atem’s father, Deng Atem, remembered his son as a hardworking and talented basketball player who had many friends.
He said the 24-year-old’s brother was also injured in the attack.
The grieving father expressed his frustration at the tragedy and said more needed to be done, when speaking with 7News.
“I need justice. I want justice immediately,” Mr Atem said.
“I’m waiting for the government and police to catch these people.”
Mr Atem said he lost another son in 2023, when 29-year-old Atem Atem was gunned down in Wyndham Vale alongside their pet dog, Randy.
Investigators are working to determine if the two incidents are linked.
“I need these people to be caught immediately,” Mr Atem said.
Lino Atem’s father Deng Atem is demanding for justice. Picture: 7News
The men allegedly involved in the ambush fled the scene before authorities arrived, with police arresting four men of the original group, including a 24-year-old Manor Lakes man, a 28-year-old Wyndham Vale man, and two 26-year-old Wyndham Vale men.
They were interviewed by police and have since been released without charge.
Police said no weapons were recovered at the scene, and those believed to have been involved in the ambush still on the run.
Lino Atem was killed in a late-night ambush. Picture: NewsWire/ David Crosling
The men allegedly involved are still on the run. Picture: NewsWire/Ian Currie
Authorities are yet to determine a motive behind the attack.
“The people that we know of have very limited if no involvement with police,” Inspector Lloyd said.
“We don’t know what the story is behind this yet. I’m sure there is one, and we’ll do everything we can to uncover it.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam/CCTV footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.