Overview
- Three males — 16, 17 and 18 — have been charged with murder and armed robbery after the Mernda station stabbing, as a second 17-year-old remains under police guard awaiting interview.
- The 18-year-old appeared in Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Sunday and was remanded to June, with court documents alleging he stole a phone and powerbank and possessed a machete.
- Police report Becker intervened when a group allegedly tried to rob the teenager, escorting him from the station before the group followed and attacked.
- The 14-year-old suffered a broken nose, and detectives say edged weapons were used in the assault after the group confronted Becker outside.
- Investigators are seeking witness footage via Crime Stoppers, and state leaders have highlighted tougher youth sentencing laws as debate grows over PSO patrol arrangements.