'Run Aki': The moment Solomone told his young cousin to run for her life - The Age

Solomone died at the scene. Six boys, aged between 13 and 16, have been charged with violent disorder and affray. No one has been charged over the death.

Aki said Solomone was "a really good child".

"He came to church every Sunday, he was very humble, loving, caring. He was really kind.

Aki Faiva was walking with her cousin Solomone Taufeulungaki when they were allegedly approached by a group of boys.Credit:Nine

"He always protected me even when I didn't want him to be there. He always looked out for me. He was really funny."

On Wednesday, his parents Atunaisa and Salome Taufeulungaki visited the scene of their son's death opposite the family's place of worship, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

"Every Sunday my son come to this church. I believe maybe every Sunday his spirit [will] join with us in this true church," Mr Taufeulungaki said.

As for those behind his son's death, he said: "We love them. We need to send love to their parents."

On Wednesday night, mourners continued to gather at the site, which has become a makeshift shrine to the teenager, to sing hymns and leave flowers, balloons and notes.

A GoFundMe page has also been set up to help the family pay for the funeral of the "caring, kind, selfless and humble soul" and by Thursday morning had raised nearly $40,000.

Mourners gather at a memorial for 15-year-old Solomone Taufeulungaki. Credit:Luis Enrique Ascui

"My family is overwhelmed with love and the support we are receiving within the community, so much love and support we cannot describe," Solomone’s sister Taani said.

Solomone was one of 12 children. His family is unsure of how they might formally remember his life given their local church remains closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Three of the teenagers charged over the incident, aged 16, 15 and 14, faced a Children's Court on Wednesday night. The trio was bailed under strict conditions including a curfew, potential police checks and a ban on threatening or inciting violence on social media.

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The remaining three boys charged over the matter are expected to appear in court next week for a bail application.

Members of the local community were already concerned about gang activity in the Deer Park area.

"There are gangs [in the area], but the boys are like my age," said 14-year-old Tiara Nonu, a friend of Solomone who attended the same daily Mormon services as him.

"He [Solomone] wasn’t about those gangs, he was a church boy, always going to school. He minded his business," she said.

Solomone Taufeulungaki (pictured centre) was stabbed and died in Deer Park this week.

Java, 27, a friend of the Taufeulungaki family who did not wish to use his surname, said he worried about younger boys in his community.

"Just the impact that social media has on the young ones, you know? It really affects how they perceive the world," Java said.

"When they see their icons and idols on TV, they want to imitate that in real life on the street. But they've gotta know, that what they say in raps is fake.

"When it comes and plays out on the street, it's cost a humble kid's life. He had nothing to do with all that stuff."

Java said the guidance of older boys in his community helped steer him away from a life of trouble.

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"I'm Islander so a lot of stuff happened around me when I was growing up. But I was fortunate enough to have the older ones teach me that it's not the life. So I just stepped back."

Last month more than 30 youths were involved in a fight in a car park on Derrimut Road in Hoppers Crossing. The May 23 melee, allegedly caused by rising tensions between the Brotherhood gang and Tarneit-based BBG (Black Belly Gang), resulted in a 17-year-old being hospitalised with serious stab wounds.

Fifteen young people have since been arrested and charged with affray-related offences over the Hoppers Crossing brawl.

Detectives are investigating whether there is a link between Tuesday's Deer Park attack and the Brotherhood.

Anyone with information, CCTV footage or dash-cam footage, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

with AAP

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https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMihgFodHRwczovL3d3dy50aGVhZ2UuY29tLmF1L25hdGlvbmFsL3ZpY3RvcmlhL3J1bi1ha2ktdGhlLW1vbWVudC1zb2xvbW9uZS10b2xkLWhpcy15b3VuZy1jb3VzaW4tdG8tcnVuLWZvci1oZXItbGlmZS0yMDIwMDYxNy1wNTUzcDMuaHRtbNIBhgFodHRwczovL2FtcC50aGVhZ2UuY29tLmF1L25hdGlvbmFsL3ZpY3RvcmlhL3J1bi1ha2ktdGhlLW1vbWVudC1zb2xvbW9uZS10b2xkLWhpcy15b3VuZy1jb3VzaW4tdG8tcnVuLWZvci1oZXItbGlmZS0yMDIwMDYxNy1wNTUzcDMuaHRtbA?oc=5

2020-06-18 01:19:34Z
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