Teen Charged With Manslaughter After Sunshine Grocer Dies in Attack

Van Viet Truong, a 60-year-old grocery store owner, died on Wednesday from injuries sustained during an alleged attack by five youths in Sunshine, Melbourne, on Saturday. The 15-year-old accused has been charged with manslaughter after initially facing assault charges. Three other youths were granted bail on Friday, while a fifth remains in custody. Truong was struck repeatedly after attempting to help a retail worker being attacked during an alleged theft.

How the attack unfolded

Five youths allegedly entered a clothing store and stole items before running out. When a worker chased them to retrieve the clothes, the group allegedly circled and struck the employee repeatedly in the head. Another witness tried to intervene and was struck in the face. Truong then attempted to help both victims. The 15-year-old is accused of dragging Truong to the ground, causing a “cracking sound” when his head hit the pavement, according to court evidence. The group allegedly continued attacking Truong while he lay on the ground.

Charges and bail outcomes

The 15-year-old boy, charged with manslaughter, appeared via video link from custody on Friday and did not apply for bail. Two 14-year-old girls were granted bail with strict curfews and orders not to contact each other. A 12-year-old boy and a 13-year-old boy appeared in children’s court already on community release. All five youths will appear again in court later this month. Charges against the 13-year-old were withdrawn earlier in the proceedings.

Community impact and business closure

Truong had operated Hong Hung Asian Grocery on Hampshire Road for more than two decades and was described by Brimbank City Council mayor Virginia Tachos as a pillar of the community. Floral tributes lined the storefront on Thursday as mourners paid respects. A note on the shop’s roller door stated it would remain closed until further notice. Local traders have long called for council help addressing rising anti-social behaviour in the area. The council flew flags at half-mast on Thursday.

Wider concerns about street violence

Truong’s death has intensified debate about safety in Victoria. The attack follows other recent incidents of street violence, including an alleged assault on Footscray MP Katie Hall, who was knocked down and required emergency hand surgery. Brimbank City Council operates a Safety and Wellbeing Partnership and a Hotspots Working Group, but residents and traders argue more direct intervention is needed to curb theft and violence in shopping precincts.

Final Thoughts

Truong’s death marks a turning point in how Victoria’s courts treat youth violence. The manslaughter charge signals prosecutors view the attack as reckless and fatal, not merely assault. For retailers, the case underscores the risks of intervening in street crime.

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