Moments before men killed in ‘gang attack’

·2-min read
Two men were killed and one was seriously injured in what police believe was a ‘gang-related’ attack.
Two men were killed and one was seriously injured in what police believe was a ‘gang-related’ attack.

Detectives have released footage showing three cars stopping in a quiet residential street just minutes before a suspected “gang-related” attack that left two men dead.

Atem Atem, 29, and Ayuel Akuei, 22, were killed while a third man, 23, was seriously injured in the violence on February 11.

Emergency services were called to a Carmichael Drive address in Wyndham Vale, in Melbourne’s outer west, following reports of firearm and knife injuries.

Detective Acting Inspector Nigel L’Estrange said it was believed five men, including Mr Atem and Mr Akuei, were present in the home’s garage when a convoy of vehicles arrived about 2.45am.

Atem Atem was killed in the attack on Saturday, February 11, 2023. Picture: Facebook
Atem Atem was killed in the attack on Saturday, February 11, 2023. Picture: Facebook

“We believe that the group is likely to have attended the address as the result of some kind of dispute between street gangs; however, those who were killed and injured were either not gang members or had only very loose links,” he said.

“This was an act of violence that was completely unnecessary and any indiscriminate use of firearms in this way is always immensely concerning for police.”

Mr Atem and Mr Akuei were found dead, while the 22-year-old Wyndham Vale man was found with life-threatening injuries.

The remaining two people were uninjured, as were two adults and four children present in the house at the time.

CCTV footage of three vehicles has been released. Picture: Victoria Police
CCTV footage of three vehicles has been released. Picture: Victoria Police

A dog was shot dead in the violence, with the offenders fleeing in the three vehicles.

Detectives believe the incident was a deliberate “gang-related” attack, but the two men killed and third injured were likely not the planned targets.

Inspector L’Estrange said police hoped the CCTV would provide further avenues of inquiry.

“We want to reassure the community that it remains a priority for Victoria Police and we are doing everything we can to locate those responsible and hold them to account,” he said.

“One of the best ways for the community to support this investigation is by coming forward and providing police with any information they have about those responsible and the circumstances leading up to the incident.

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Family and friends share their grief after two men were killed in Wyndham Vale. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Luis Ascui

“However, any details, no matter how small or insignificant you believe they are, may be the key to solving this case and providing justice for these families.”

Inspector L’Estrange said a significant investigation was launched after the attack, with detectives combing through hundreds of hours of CCTV footage and speaking with a large number of people.

Crime Stoppers can be reached on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.