Melton police are calling for parents and guardians to help inform their children about the importance of letting the justice system take its course.
On the Melton Police Eyewatch Facebook page, a message was posted following the death of Oscar Hamilton at a shopping centre in Melton.
Oscar, 16, from Harkness, died from injuries sustained in a knife attack.
He was stabbed just before noon, with emergency services arriving within minutes of the incident.
Oscar was found in a critical condition in the outdoor food court, and despite efforts to revive him through CPR, he died at the scene.
Police arrested a 15-year-old Melton West boy and later charged him with murder.
The Melton Police Eyewatch page said the recent homicide at a local shopping centre in Melton has caused significant distress amongst the community.
“Investigators are requesting that parents and guardians take the opportunity to talk to their child-children about safety and the importance of allowing the investigation and court process to continue without hindrance,” it said.
“It is imperative that the community understands that speculation is damaging and it leads to rumours that are inflammatory, which can cause fear and further violence.
“The use of social media to threaten or intimidate any person involved in this investigation is a criminal offence. Any instances of this will be fully investigated by police and prosecuted.
“Please respect the wishes of the family and the police investigators by refraining from discussing this incident online or in any public spaces.
Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.victimsofcrime.vic.gov.au
