A 16-year-old boy is currently in critical condition after being shot in the upper body during an incident at a home in Melbourne’s south-east. The shooting occurred around 4.30pm and is believed to have happened while the teenager was handling a gun. Emergency services transported him to the hospital, where he remains under care.
The boy reportedly has a criminal history, having previously been involved in a serious attack on another teenager, Ben Phikihpoom, in Glen Huntly in September 2023. In that incident, Phikihpoom was kidnapped and violently assaulted by a group of teenagers while walking home from school. He was subsequently thrown from a stolen vehicle at high speed, resulting in significant injuries that have impacted him for life, although he has since returned to school. Notably, his attacker was not imprisoned following the kidnapping incident and had multiple bail conditions at the time of the shooting.
In a show of compassion, Ben’s parents have expressed forgiveness towards the boy responsible for their son’s ordeal. Currently, police have stated that they are not seeking any additional suspects related to the shooting incident involving the 16-year-old. Investigation into the matter continues as authorities work to gather further details.