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Group Assault Charges Related to Grocer's Death Dropped
Prosecutors said they could not rebut doli incapax, while charges remain against three other teenagers in the alleged assault.
- On Thursday, prosecutors withdrew all charges against a 12-year-old boy accused in the fatal August assault of Sunshine grocer Van Viet Truong, citing the legal principle of Doli Incapax.
- The Crown conceded it could not rebut the presumption that children under 14 lack criminal intent, a high legal bar prosecutors must overcome to proceed with cases involving young defendants.
- Truong, 60, died after being set upon on August 1 on Hampshire Street while helping a fellow retailer during a scuffle over allegedly stolen items, sustaining serious head injuries.
- Three other teenagers remain before the courts over the Sunshine incident: a 15-year-old charged with manslaughter and two 14-year-old girls facing violent disorder and affray charges.
- The 12-year-old's lawyer argued his involvement was "secondary" and said the education department blocked the student from returning to school, stating "It is having an enormous impact on him.
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Sydney Morning Herald+3 Reposted by 3 other sources
Charges dropped against 12-year-old boy after death of Sunshine grocer
Police revealed the charges were withdrawn on Thursday after “significant consideration” following the death of Van Viet Truong in August.
·North Sydney, Australia
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Charges Dropped Against 12-Year-Old Accused in Fatal Grocer Assault
A supplied image obtained on Aug. 9, 2026, shows Van Viet Truong, who died from serious injuries after allegedly being set upon by a group of youths at Sunshine in Melbourne's west on Aug. 1 while trying to help a fellow retail worker. (PR Handout/Supplied by Brimbank City Council)
·New York, United States
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Group assault charges related to grocer’s death dropped
The youngest boy accused of being involved in a group assault which left a good Samaritan grocer dead has had his charges dropped due to his age. The 12-year-old boy, who cannot be identified, was among four other teenagers charged over the assault and death…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources12
Leaning Left5Leaning Right2Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Left
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
50% Left
L 50%
C 30%
R 20%
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