Teen boys charged with murder after 21yo Luke Manassa stabbed to death at Pemulwuy, Sydney
Two boys, aged 16 and 17, have been charged with the murder of Luke Manassa at Pemulwuy on June 26.
Officers were told two people wearing disguises and dark clothing attacked the 21-year-old when he and his girlfriend arrived at the Driftway Drive property, NSW Police say.
Mr Manassa was able to get back into his car and drive a short distance before succumbing to his injuries. He could not be revived and died at the scene.
Forensic police at the scene of a fatal stabbing that occurred on Driftway Drive at Pemulway in western Sydney. Picture: Richard Dobson
Speaking to reporters on Friday morning, Detective Superintendent Joseph Doueihi said their investigation so far had not revealed why Mr Manassa would have been targeted.
'Investigations today have not identified a clear motive as to why someone would want to (allegedly) murder Luke – he is not known to the NSW Police Force,' he said.
'It perhaps (was) the wrong target … more than likely, this is a case of mistaken identity, but it's still early days before we can absolutely confirm that.'
Superintendent Doueihi said police suspected the teenagers charged with Mr Manassa's murder may have been hired to carry out a killing, though it was unclear who may have arranged it or why.
He described the attack as 'very amateurish' and said it lacked the evidence of planning typically seen in gang-related hits, including expensive getaway cars or firebombed vehicles.
Mr Manassa did not live at the Pemulwuy home but was known to visit the property. Investigators are also considering whether the occupant of the home may have been the actual target.
Luke Manassa, was 21, was killed in a stabbing at Pemulwuy on June 26.
Police established Strike Force Hickety to investigate the alleged attack.
Detectives raided properties in South Penrith, Mount Druitt, and Woodcroft at about 6am on Thursday.
A 17-year-old boy was arrested in South Penrith. He has since been charged with murder and fail to comply with digital evidence access order direction.
A 16-year-old boy was arrested in Mount Druitt and has also been charged with murder.
Both teenagers were refused bail to appear in a children's court on Friday.
Video shows police executing a search warrant on the Western Sydney property. Picture: NSW Police
Police seized a vehicle they will allege was the getaway car in Woodcroft.
Footage released by police shows officers knocking on a property door before entering, speaking with those inside.
It also shows a red Kia SUV – the alleged getaway vehicle – being towed.
Investigations are ongoing.
Mr Manassa graduated from UTS last year and worked full-time as a project manager at his family's demolition business Mann Group, according to his LinkedIn profile.
He described himself as a businessman in a podcast appearance, as per 7News.
Several have paid tribute to the 21-year-old in the wake of his sudden death.
Basketball club Inner West Bulls posted to social media on Monday: 'Our thoughts are with the Manassa family during this difficult time.
A tribute posted to Instagram from his basketball team. Picture: Instagram
'We remember Luke not only for his talent, but for the kindness, energy, and brotherhood he brought to the team.
'He was a valued member of the Bulls – strong, kind, and respected by all who knew him.
'We will carry your memory on the court, always.'
Our Lady of Lebanon Co-Cathedral said on Monday that commemorations would be held this week.
'With deep sorrow, we announce the passing into eternal life of Luke James Manassa from Blouza (Lebanon) who died in Sydney,' the notice read.
'May the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.'
More to come
Robert White
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Robert got his start as an Editorial Assistant at the Daily Telegraph in 2024 before entering the Newscorp cadet program. With a background in history and law Robert has a passion for politics and crime reporting as well as telling meaningful stories.
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