Teen boys charged with doctor’s murder
Two teenage boys have appeared in court charged with murder after a Melbourne doctor was allegedly stabbed and hit by a car during a horror home invasion.
Ash Gordon, 33, was fatally injured when he confronted thieves who had allegedly broken into his home in Doncaster in the early hours on Saturday.
He was found less than a kilometre from his home by police responding to reports of a home invasion and died at the scene.
Shortly after midday on Thursday, two 16-year-old boys, who cannot be named due to their age, appeared in a Childrens’ Court where they were remanded into custody on charges of murder, aggravated burglary and theft.
Both wore hooded jumpers and track pants. They appeared calm as they entered flanked by security officers, their eyes momentarily darting around the courtroom before settling on Magistrate Shiva Pillai.
One wearing a blue graphic hoodie over his head sported two large bruises above his right eye.
The duo were arrested on Wednesday, with police laying the charges early on Thursday morning.
Police will allege the duo were involved in a break-in at Dr Gordon’s home, before the beloved doctor was stabbed after chasing intruders from his home.
Laptops and shoes were allegedly stolen from the home.
Adjourning the case to a date later this year, Magistrate Pillai noted it was the first time in custody for one of the accused boys.
The other, the court was told, had declined to have a parent or guardian present when interviewed by police.
Superintendent Janet Stevenson said investigators had worked “tirelessly” to “apprehend those responsible for his tragedy”.
“We know that Ash’s family and loved ones are grieving. This arrest will not take away the tragedy of this dreadful situation, but we hope that it will alleviate some of their distress,” she said.
“We will continue to provide all the support they require during this difficult time.”
Tributes have poured in for the young doctor, with his sister Natalie describing the 33-year-old as her “world”.
“I’m his older sister, but I looked up to him for so much, as did our other siblings. He’s the youngest, but we all looked up to him. Mum and dad would ring him for advice,” she said.
“He was just so sure of himself. Such a confident person on and so willing to help anyone and everyone.”
Friends have also rushed to share their grief over the loss as a floral tribute at the scene of his death grows.
“Thank you for the many unforgettable memories, you were one of a kind,” friend Trinity Ellen wrote on Facebook.
“You were definitely such an inspiration to others, you worked so hard to get were you are! Life’s just not fair.”
A former colleague from Vitality Medical Health Centre also took to social media to express their sadness.
“You were such a good human and so caring. You always smiled. Nothing was too much trouble,” they said.
“I remember the first boxing show I took you to as doctor out in Altona. Right from the start you were brilliant as a ring side physician.
“The world is a much dimmer place without you in it.”
Dr Gordon owned Redefine Aesthetics, a Richmond-based clinic specialising in skin and anti-ageing. The company website noted the 33-year-old had “experience in many facets of medicine” and believed “in forming strong relationships with his patients that value honesty and transparency in all aspects of the treatment”.
He leaves behind a long-term partner, who called police while he left their home to confront the alleged thieves.
