A Deanside man and a Melton South man have been released after being interviewed by police in relation to the death of Lino Atem in Wyndham Vale on January 10.
Mr Atem, a 24-year-old Wyndham Vale man, was fatally stabbed on Haines Drive near Ribblesdale Avenue, about 11.30pm on Friday, January 10 when he and two friends were confronted by another group.
Fifteen warrants were executed on the the morning of Tuesday, March 11 in Aintree, Deer Park, Manor Lakes, Sunshine West, Albanvale, Mornington, Werribee, Deanside, Hoppers Crossing, Melton South, Keilor and Braybrook.
Police arrested a 22-year-old and 20-year-old man from Hoppers Crossing, a 18-year-old Werribee man, a 23-year-old Deanside man, 19-year-old Melton South man, a 20-year-old Braybrook man, a 17-year-old boy from the Mornington Peninsula area and six teenage boys from the northern suburbs.
All were interviewed and released.
Police also seized a number of items from the addresses including two motor vehicles.
While police have said the exact motivation for the fatal attack is yet to be determined, police believe it was a case of mistaken identity.
Detective Acting Inspector Adam Shoesmith said the arrests were made after two months of investigations and that he hopes it will open up more leads on the case.
“We are hopeful that today’s arrests and warrants provide investigators with further avenues of inquiry,” he said.
“Lino was simply enjoying a night in the park socialising with friends when he was attacked.”
“While we believe this incident was targeted, there is nothing to indicate why the group was attacked and police believe it is likely a case of mistaken identity.”
To report any information: Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppers.com.au
