Van Viet Truong dies after intervening in Melbourne shop robbery

Sixty‑year‑old grocery shop owner Van Viet Truong was fatally injured while trying to help a fellow retailer during a robbery in Melbourne’s western suburbs. CCTV showed him confronting a group of youths who fled with stolen goods; he was struck repeatedly on the head and later died at Royal Melbourne Hospital.

Five youths aged 12 to 15 were charged with affray, violent disorder and causing serious injury. A 13‑year‑old’s charges were later withdrawn, and detectives are considering upgrading the remaining charges. Victoria Police and a children’s court are handling the case. Victorian Premier Ben Carroll called for adult‑level punishments for the offenders, and Magistrate Robyn Hamilton described the victim’s situation as “unsurvivable.”