{"id":66336,"date":"2026-08-06T08:33:17","date_gmt":"2026-08-06T08:33:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/66336\/"},"modified":"2026-08-06T08:33:17","modified_gmt":"2026-08-06T08:33:17","slug":"sunshine-victoria-teen-facing-charge-over-shopkeepers-death","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/66336\/","title":{"rendered":"Sunshine, Victoria: Teen facing charge over shopkeeper\u2019s death"},"content":{"rendered":"

A 15-year-old boy has been charged with manslaughter following the death of a well respected Melbourne shopkeeper.<\/p>\n

Van Viet Truong, 60, was at his grocery shop in Sunshine about 2pm on Saturday when a group of youngsters, aged 12, 13, 14 and 15, fled a store with stolen goods. <\/p>\n

The man confronted the group \u2013who were scuffling with another shop owner over the stolen goods \u2013 andwas struck over the head several times. <\/p>\n

He was taken to hospital in a life-threatening condition but died on Wednesday afternoon. <\/p>\n

Three boys \u2013 aged 12, 13 and 15 \u2013 and a 14-year-old girl were each charged with affray, violent disorder, intentionally cause serious injury and intentionally cause injury.<\/p>\n

However, Victoria Police have now confirmed that the charges for one of the 15-year-olds have been upgraded to include manslaughter.<\/p>\n

The teenager, from the Brimbank area, will appear at a children\u2019s court at a later date.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile charges laid against a 13-year-old boy were withdrawn.<\/p>\n

It now means that four youths in total will face court \u2013 with two boys aged 15 and 12 and a 14-year-old girl, all from the Brimbank area, accused of affray, violent disorder, intentionally causing serious injury and intentionally causing injury.<\/p>\n

\u201cFurther investigations exonerated the 13-year-old boy and his charges were withdrawn,\u201d a police statement read.<\/p>\n

Brimbank Mayor Virginia Tachos said his passing as \u201cdevastated the entire Brimbank community\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cViet was a pillar of our community, well known by all for being a generous supporter, a helping hand and a kind friend to his fellow traders, neighbours and customers,\u201d she said in a statement. <\/p>\n

\u201cWe recognise the immense grief experienced by Viet\u2019s family, friends, fellow traders and the broader Brimbank community and send our deepest sympathies to them all.\u201d<\/p>\n

She said the council would honour Mr Truong\u2019s contributions to community.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are lowering our flags to half-mast today as a mark of respect,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n

\u201cMay he rest in peace. He will always be remembered.\u201d<\/p>\n

Earlier this week, she said more needed to be done to protect the community.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe need the government to act now with more police protecting our businesses, residents and streets,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n

Victoria Police Acting Commander Troy Papworth said more patrols would be done in the city\u2019s western suburbs, particularly in Sunshine and Footscray. <\/p>\n

\u201cThe recent alleged incident in Sunshine has no doubt had a ripple effect through the entire community and has caused angst and concern in Melbourne\u2019s west,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n

\u201cPolice feel these concerns as well \u2013 we are as much a part of the community ourselves.\u201d <\/p>\n

Mr Truong was the owner of Hong Hung Asian Grocery, which had been operating for nearly three decades and had become a beloved fixture in the Sunshine community. <\/p>\n

Those who knew the businessman described him as a \u201ca very friendly and lovely man\u201d, with a nearby shop owner saying \u201che loved his wife, had two children, and was always working hard\u201d. <\/p>\n

Victoria Police said the man\u2019s family was \u201cdevastated\u201d by his death. <\/p>\n

Read related topics:Melbourne<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"A 15-year-old boy has been charged with manslaughter following the death of a well respected Melbourne shopkeeper. 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