Four men and three teenage boys have been charged in connection with the fatal stabbing of Lino Atem, 24, nearly two years after the incident occurred. Atem died on January 20, 2025, following a violent confrontation in a park in Melbourne’s southwest.

Victoria Police reported that Atem had been socializing with friends at the park when they were allegedly confronted by a larger group. Emergency services were called around 11:30 p.m. after reports of a fight. Despite receiving medical attention at the scene, Atem succumbed to his injuries. Two other individuals who were with him sustained non-life-threatening wounds.

Initial police investigations led to the arrest of 13 individuals, including six teenagers, in March 2025. Those arrested at that time were subsequently released without charges, with authorities stating the arrests were intended to assist ongoing inquiries. Detective Acting Inspector Adam Shoesmith emphasized that Atem had been simply spending an evening with friends when the attack took place.

On Wednesday, police executed warrants at locations in Melbourne’s western and northern suburbs around 5:30 a.m., resulting in the arrests of four adult men and three teenage boys. They have been charged with manslaughter in connection to Atem’s death.

The family has endured further tragedy; in February 2023, Atem’s brother, Atem Atem, was fatally shot in the family’s garage in Wyndham Vale. Authorities have not indicated any connection between the two incidents. The investigation into the stabbing remains ongoing.