Lino Atem: Thirteen arrested over fatal stabbing during brawl at Wyndham Vale park

Thirteen people have been arrested over the brutal stabbing death of a 24-year-old man during a brawl at a suburban park earlier this year.

Detectives took the individuals, all male and aged between 15 and 23, into custody after raids at 15 properties across Melbourne on Tuesday as part of the homicide investigation into the death of Lino Atem. A number of items, including two vehicles, were also seized.

Emergency services crews found Lino Atem critically injured after they were initially called to a group of men fighting in a park on Haines Drive, near Ribblesdale Avenue, about 11.30pm on January 10.

He received medical treatment but could not be saved and died at the scene.

Police say Lino Atem had been in the park with two friends, when they were confronted by another group. His friends, two 27-year-old men both from Wyndham Vale, sustained non-life threatening injuries during the incident and were taken to hospital for treatment.

Detectives have revealed that while the exact motivation for the fatal attack is yet to be determined, it is believed to be a case of mistaken identity.

Lino Atem’s death came just over a year after his 29-year-old brother, named Atem, was fatally shot during an incident at his Wyndham Vale home in February 2023.

A 22-year-old man was also fatally injured during the incident, while a 25-year-old man sustained life threatening injuries. A family dog was also shot and killed.

Police say at this stage there is nothing to indicate the deaths of Lino and Atem are linked.

Earlier this year, Lino’s father Deng Atem pleaded for justice after having now lost two of his six sons.

“I need justice. I want justice immediately,” he told 7NEWS.

Deng described Lino as a young man with many friends and who loved playing basketball.

“He did everything for me, to help me,” he said.

Police said 15 warrants were executed from 5.30am on Tuesday in Aintree, Deer Park (2), Manor Lakes, Sunshine West, Albanvale, Mornington, Werribee (2), Deanside, Hoppers Crossing (2), Melton South, Keilor and Braybrook.

“These warrants involved over 160 detectives from the Homicide Squad, Crime Command and North West Metro Region.”

Detective Acting Inspector Adam Shoesmith said it was hoped the arrests would provide detectives with further avenues of enquiry.

“Lino was simply enjoying a night in the park socialising with friends when he was attacked,” he said.

“While we believe this incident was targeted, there is nothing to indicate why the group was attacked and police believe it is likely a case of mistaken identity.

“Sadly, this is the second loss for the Atem family after Lino’s brother Atem was fatally shot in 2023.”

“We know there are people out there who can help us identify those responsible. People who may have been present at the time of the incident, or people who may have heard information about these incidents after the fact,” Acting Inspector Shoesmith said.

“Whatever that information is – police want to hear it. It could be details about who was involved, how the incident took place or what the motivation for the attack was. Any small detail to could the thing that makes an enormous difference.

“We can’t imagine how difficult it must be for the Atem family knowing there are people out there who could help solve this and hold their loved one’s killers to account, and yet they are choosing not to.”

Investigators have urged anyone with information about Lino’s death, including who was involved or the motivation for the attack, to come forward.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam/CCTV footage, or any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit crimestoppersvic.com.au