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Canberra Today 14°/18° | Friday, March 29, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

Teen charged with skatepark murder

Detective Superintendent Scott Moller… “This has been a tough investigation for detectives.”

A TEENAGE boy has been charged with the murder after he stabbed and killed an 18-year-old at a skate park in Weston last month. 

At about 1am on Sunday, September 27, police arrived at the skatepark on Dillon Close to find two people with stab wounds – an 18-year-old man who died at the scene, and a 16-year-old boy who was taken to hospital.

The teenage charged with the man’s murder is aged 16-year-old, however, police do not say if it was the 16-year-old taken to hospital.

Police will allege earlier that evening numerous young people made threats to each other online which escalated to a point that they agreed to meet to fight.

A large group of young people gathered at the Weston skate park and it’s alleged the 16-year-old used a knife to stab the victim multiple times.

In a press conference this morning (October 28), Detective Superintendent Scott Moller said this was a traumatic incident for everyone involved.

“There’s a family deeply grieving the loss of their son and because we must seek justice, another family is potentially facing life-long consequences for what happened that night,” Detective Superintendent Moller said.

“This has been a tough investigation for detectives, it’s always very sad when young people are involved in serious crime.

“When police were called it was too late to make a difference and that’s shattering for us because we are here to help anyone in trouble.”

Detective Superintendent Moller pleaded with young people to reach out to a trusted adult or police to step in when situations may be escalating online.

It’s an offence for anyone to use technology to threaten, intimidate, harass or humiliate someone – with the intent to hurt them socially, psychologically or even physically on any social networking site, he said.

“Cyber abuse and cyberbullying can quickly intensify in scale and nature, and feel deeply personal,” he said.

“It can be hard but try not to respond or retaliate. If possible switch off your phone for a while and seek help.

“Before you block or delete the person and comments, make sure you save the evidence of what has occurred. This can help a police investigation if it’s needed.

“You can attend your local police station, call 131 444 or if there is an immediate threat to your safety call Emergency Triple Zero (000).

“It may not seem like it at the time but I promise you, you won’t regret asking for help if you’re being abused or bullied online – it could save your life.”

Police would still like to speak to anyone who was involved in the fight or aware of what occurred prior to the murder.

Anyone with information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website quoting reference number 6638633. 

Skatepark stabbing: What cops know so far

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