Latest news with #LukeManassa
Perth Now
09-07-2025
- Perth Now
‘Rare soul': Stabbing victim laid to rest
Family and friends of a young man allegedly stabbed to death in the driveway of a Sydney west home are gathering to lay the 'kind, respectful, and beautiful soul' to rest at a ceremony in Harris Park. Luke Manassa, 21, died from injuries sustained during the alleged stabbing attack in Pemulway, as he and his girlfriend pulled into a home along Driftway Dr. Police allege two people wearing disguises and dark clothing attacked Mr Manassa, before he was able to get back into his car and drive a short distance. Mr Manassa's funeral will be held at Our Lady of Lebanon Co-Cathedral in Harris Park from 11am. Luke Manassa died from stab injuries after he was allegedly attacked by two teenagers in a driveway in west Sydney. Supplied Credit: News Corp Australia Two boys, aged 16 and 17, have been charged with murder. Richard Dobson / NewsWire Credit: News Corp Australia A funeral program for the service carries a message from the Gospel of John, reading: 'Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live.' Tributes have flowed for the 21-year-old in the wake of his death, with the Australian Blouza Association – a non-political organisation founded in 1949 by immigrants from the village of Blouza, in North Lebanon – announcing news of his passing with 'great sadness'. On the group's Facebook page, Charlie Baissari wrote: 'Our hearts are deeply broken to hear about the passing of your beloved Angel Luke. It was clear he was a kind, respectful, and beautiful soul — the kind of young man who left a light wherever he went.' 'No words can truly ease the pain of such a tragic loss, but please know our thoughts, prayers, and love are with you all during this heartbreaking time. We are so sorry. With our deepest sympathy, may he rest in eternal peace,' Mr Baissari continued. Mr Manassa's cousin Tash Mansour wrote: 'I'm lost for words. My heart goes to the rest of your siblings Anthony, Danielle, Patrick Grace and Matthew, and your parents Jamie and Theresa.' Mr Manassa, 21, has been remembered as a 'rare soul—overflowing with kindness, love, wisdom, talent, faith, and intelligence far beyond his years' by his family. Supplied Credit: News Corp Australia His brother David, in his own social media post, remembered Luke as a 'rare soul—overflowing with kindness, love, wisdom, talent, faith, and intelligence far beyond his years'. 'Luke left behind a legacy of love and light that will never fade. I'll forever hold the memories I have with him close,' he said. 'And while nothing can ease the pain right now, I stand firm in one hope: that we will be reunited again, in the presence of our loving God and Savior, Jesus Christ. 'Until then, we grieve … but not without hope.' Police are probing whether the alleged attack on Mr Manassa was a case of mistaken identity. Richard Dobson / NewsWire Credit: News Corp Australia Two boys, aged 16 and 17, have been charged with Mr Manassa's murder. Detective Superintendent Joseph Doueihi last week said investigators had not determined a clear motive for why the 21-year-old was targeted. '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,' he said. Mr Manassa did not live at the Pemulwuy home but was known to visit the property. According to his LinkedIn profile, he graduated from UTS last year and worked full-time as a project manager at his family's demolition business Mann Group. More to come .
News.com.au
09-07-2025
- News.com.au
‘Kind, respectful, and beautiful soul': Heartbreaking tribute as man allegedly murdered in case of ‘mistaken identity' laid to rest
Family and friends of a young man allegedly stabbed to death in the driveway of a Sydney west home are gathering to lay the 'kind, respectful, and beautiful soul' to rest at a ceremony in Harris Park. Luke Manassa, 21, died from injuries sustained during the alleged stabbing attack in Pemulway, as he and his girlfriend pulled into a home along Driftway Dr. Police allege two people wearing disguises and dark clothing attacked Mr Manassa, before he was able to get back into his car and drive a short distance. Mr Manassa's funeral will be held at Our Lady of Lebanon Co-Cathedral in Harris Park from 11am. A funeral program for the service carries a message from the Gospel of John, reading: 'Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live.' Tributes have flowed for the 21-year-old in the wake of his death, with the Australian Blouza Association – a non-political organisation founded in 1949 by immigrants from the village of Blouza, in North Lebanon – announcing news of his passing with 'great sadness'. On the group's Facebook page, Charlie Baissari wrote: 'Our hearts are deeply broken to hear about the passing of your beloved Angel Luke. It was clear he was a kind, respectful, and beautiful soul — the kind of young man who left a light wherever he went.' 'No words can truly ease the pain of such a tragic loss, but please know our thoughts, prayers, and love are with you all during this heartbreaking time. We are so sorry. With our deepest sympathy, may he rest in eternal peace,' Mr Baissari continued. Mr Manassa's cousin Tash Mansour wrote: 'I'm lost for words. My heart goes to the rest of your siblings Anthony, Danielle, Patrick Grace and Matthew, and your parents Jamie and Theresa.' His brother David, in his own social media post, remembered Luke as a 'rare soul—overflowing with kindness, love, wisdom, talent, faith, and intelligence far beyond his years'. 'Luke left behind a legacy of love and light that will never fade. I'll forever hold the memories I have with him close,' he said. 'And while nothing can ease the pain right now, I stand firm in one hope: that we will be reunited again, in the presence of our loving God and Savior, Jesus Christ. 'Until then, we grieve … but not without hope.' Two boys, aged 16 and 17, have been charged with Mr Manassa's murder. Detective Superintendent Joseph Doueihi last week said investigators had not determined a clear motive for why the 21-year-old was targeted. '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,' he said. Mr Manassa did not live at the Pemulwuy home but was known to visit the property. According to his LinkedIn profile, he graduated from UTS last year and worked full-time as a project manager at his family's demolition business Mann Group.
The Australian
04-07-2025
- The Australian
Teen boys charged with murder after 21yo Luke Manassa stabbed to death at Pemulwuy, Sydney
Police are investigating whether a 21-year-old stabbed to death in the driveway of a home in Sydney's west was mistakenly targeted in a contract killing. 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 Cadet 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. @white_robb73416 Robert White
The Guardian
04-07-2025
- The Guardian
Man stabbed in Sydney may have been mistakenly targeted by ‘amateurish' teen contract killers, police say
A 21-year-old allegedly stabbed to death by two teenagers last week in western Sydney may have been killed in a case of mistaken identity, New South Wales police say. At about 10.45pm on Thursday 26 June, authorities were called to Driftway Drive in Pemulwuy following reports that a man had been stabbed outside a house. Officers were told two males dressed in dark clothing and disguises had attacked Luke Manassa, 21, who was with his girlfriend. Homicide detectives a week later executed search warrants in South Penrith, Mount Druitt and Woodcroft. A 17-year-old male was subsequently charged with murder and refused bail to appear in a children's court on Friday. A 16-year-old boy was arrested in Mount Druitt and also charged with murder. He was refused bail to appear in a children's court on Friday. Manassa last week managed to get back into his car after the alleged stabbing and drive a short distance before being overcome by his injuries, NSW police said on Friday. NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the 21-year-old but he died at the scene. Homicide squad commander Det Supt Joseph Doueihi alleged Manassa was the victim of an 'ambush-style attack where two males dressed in dark clothing and wearing face coverings lay in wait at a location in Pemulwuy that the victim was attending'. 'Both were [allegedly] armed with machete, hunting-style knives. Luke sustained a number of stab wounds and subsequently succumbed to those injuries.' Doueihi said police had not identified any motive as to why somebody would want to kill Manassa. He said the 21-year-old was not known to police. The property Manassa was visiting when stabbed was known to police, the detective alleged. Sign up to Morning Mail Our Australian morning briefing breaks down the key stories of the day, telling you what's happening and why it matters after newsletter promotion 'This could well be a case of mistaken identity … that is a strong line of inquiry that we continue to pursue,' the police commander said on Friday. 'It's probably too early at this stage to, absolutely, confirm that it was a mistaken identity but [we are] certainly heading towards that.' The victim's devastated family wanted everyone to know they believed Luke was an innocent party and that he was at the wrong place at the wrong time, Doueihi said. 'That's the family's message.' Doueihi said the teenagers who had been arrested were 'known to police'. He alleged both had links to western Sydney street gangs. Doueihi alleged the two teenagers had been 'contracted' to commit the killing. 'By the way this offence was [allegedly] executed by these two young persons, it was very, very amateurish … if anything I'd call it disorganised crime.' Police said they had seized knives, communication devices, clothing and a vehicle that was allegedly used to leave the crime scene.
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Yahoo
'Disorganised crime': teens may have stabbed wrong man
Two boys charged with a stabbing murder might have been hired for the hit before targeting the wrong man in a case police have labelled "disorganised crime". Luke Manassa was stabbed outside a house in Pemulwuy in Sydney's west on June 26 by two masked assailants armed with machetes who were lying in wait in the driveway. Mr Manassa tried to escape to his ute and drive away but only travelled a few hundred metres before being overcome by his injuries and dying at the scene. Two teenagers, aged 16 and 17, were due to face a children's court charged with murder on Friday. The pair were arrested on Thursday morning but cannot be identified due to their age. The 17-year-old was on bail when Mr Manassa was killed. Detective Superintendent Joseph Doueihi said the teens were known to police for past violent behaviour and association with street gangs. "We believe that these younger offenders were contracted by someone to conduct this killing," Det Supt Doueihi told reporters. But there was no evidence linking Mr Manassa's alleged killers to the wider spate of organised crime violence in Sydney. "It's a very amateurish offence by these offenders," Det Supt Doueihi said. "If anything, I'd call it disorganised crime." Mr Manassa's family are adamant he was not the intended victim and police confirmed he was not known to authorities prior to his death. He did not live at the house he arrived at when he was stabbed but visited there occasionally. "The occupants of that location are known to Luke and are also known to NSW Police," Det Supt Doueihi said. Police have seized a red Kia the teens allegedly used to flee the scene. The pair are the latest in a string of young people allegedly caught up in Sydney's organised crime wave. On Wednesday, two 15-year-old boys were charged over two shootings in Sydney's southwest in June, one of which also involved a potential case of mistaken identity. "The problem is that these young children don't understand the consequences of their actions," Det Supt Doueihi said. "They could end up dead themselves, or they could be victims of some form of retaliation by the people that they tried to target." The killing of plumber John Versace at Condell Park in May was another high-profile case of suspected mistaken identity.
