Ruka Carlson stabbed to death on Chapel St in Prahran, Melbourne as gun found

A heavily-tattoed father-of-six has been identified as the victim of a fatal late-night stabbing in a busy clubbing precinct.

Ruka Carlson, 30, from Mickleham was stabbed during a mass brawl on Chapel St, Prahran, in Melbourne, around 1.30am on Sunday.

He was taken to hospital, where he later died.

Detective Acting Inspector Chris Ellway said police believe there were up to six people involved in the fight, which started at one end of the street and worked its way down to the site of the fatal assault.

“He has had a number of wounds inflicted and they appear at this stage to be from a sharp instrument,” Ellway said.

“We don’t know 100 per cent for sure what the cause of those injuries are. A bottle was part of the assault, but whether that was what inflicted any of the injuries, we aren’t sure.”

Detective Acting Inspector Chris Ellway said the victim was known to police, but it was not yet clear if he had any affiliations with organised crime or gangs.

According to court records, he had an active matter before Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court and was due to appear again next month.

“I don’t think it was a random attack … but we’re still trying to work out what the circumstances are,” Ellway said.

It is understood the altercation started outside a licensed premises, where a group of men assaulted Carlson before chasing him further down the street.

Carlson was then stabbed multiple times outside another licensed premises.

Photos posted online show Carlson posing alongside his children and long-term partner in traditional Maori dress, partying with friends, and going to festivals.

Tributes have begun to flow online as friends remember Carlson as an “amazing person”.

“Rest in peace brother,” one friend wrote.

“You were always good to me no matter what and you were a real homie.

“I’ll miss you. Fly high brother.”

Another friend said Carlson’s death was “another life taken too soon”.

“You were an amazing person who touched so many lives and were a pleasure to be around,” they said.

“It’s not goodbye, we will see you again.”

A GoFundMe has been launched to assist Carlson’s long-term partner, to whom he was engaged, as she grapples with raising their kids on her own.

“She is now left to deal with funeral costs, cost of living, and raising these poor kids all on her own as now the sole income earner has passed away,” the fundraiser reads.

Ellway said the horror attack on Easter Sunday occurred while the area was bustling with revellers enjoying the long weekend.

“It is concerning for anyone,” he said.

“No one wants to see violence when they come for a good night out with their friends and family.

“The public should be just as shocked as us to see all of this.”

On Sunday morning, police were seen putting a gun they found at the scene into a brown paper bag as evidence.

Police will investigate whether it is linked to the incident.

No arrests have been made and homicide detectives are investigating.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police.