Overview
- The teenager pleaded guilty in County Court on May 29, 2026 to charges including culpable driving causing death and intentionally causing serious injury.
- Three months earlier he took part in a group assault in Flemington on February 6, 2025 that left Valentino Arop with a severe traumatic brain injury and long‑term care needs.
- On May 18, 2025 the then‑16‑year‑old drove a stolen, unlicensed SUV through a red light while intoxicated and caused a crash that killed 16‑year‑old passenger Kevin Olenga.
- Court evidence includes a recorded blood alcohol reading of .13, a machete found under the driver’s seat, and victim impact statements from Kevin’s family describing profound grief.
- Prosecutors are urging an adult custodial term and the defence seeks youth detention on mitigation grounds; the case tests discretionary uplift from children’s court and could influence how serious juvenile violence is sentenced under Victoria’s recent law changes.