NEW TWIST: Three Youths Walk Free on Bail After 60-Year-Old Shopkeeper’s De-a-th — Community Demands Answers
Residents in Melbourne’s west are preparing to rally after a group of youths, initially charged over the death of a beloved shopkeeper, were granted bail.
Sunday’s demonstration will call for tougher youth bail laws, with more than 100 people expected to gather in honour of 60-year-old Van Viet Truong.
More than 100 people are expected to gather in honour of Van Viet Truong. 9News
The Sunshine grocery store owner died after allegedly confronting a group of teens accused of stealing from a nearby clothing store.
Volunteer Thang Vu said the rally would give the community a chance to make its frustrations heard.
“This kind of rally, I think, meets the need of a lot of people who would like to say ‘enough is enough’… People want to have a change.”
Police allege Mr Truong was assaulted after intervening during the alleged theft.
The 60-year-old died after confronting alleged shoplifters. 9News
Two 14-year-old girls and a 12-year-old boy have been charged with assault-related offences. All three were granted bail this week.
A 13-year-old boy who was initially arrested has since had his charges withdrawn. A 15-year-old boy remains before the courts after his charge was upgraded to manslaughter.
Organiser Chau Nguyen said many in the local community were upset by the outcome.
“We feel disappointed … all our community very disappointed with the law.”
Vu said many residents believed the current bail system is failing victims.
“A lot of people must agree that the bail system now is too generous, I think… too easy for people to commit crime and get on bail.”
Organisers expect more than 100 people to attend Sunday’s rally, saying they want people from all backgrounds to stand together and call for change.
“We really want a very safe community, safe streets and also a safe environment for our children.”
