Western Sydney Stabbing: Police Investigate Possible Mistaken Identity in Luke Manassa’s Death
A 21-year-old man, Luke Manassa, was allegedly the victim of a fatal ambush in Pemulwuy, western Sydney, last week, and police are increasingly focusing on the possibility of a mistaken identity as a key motive. Two teenagers have been charged with murder in connection with the incident.
Authorities responded to reports of a stabbing on Driftway Drive around 10:45 p.m. on Thursday, June 26th. Upon arrival, officers found Manassa suffering from multiple stab wounds. He was treated by paramedics from NSW Ambulance but died at the scene.
According to investigators, Manassa was attacked while with his girlfriend by two individuals dressed in dark clothing and disguises. A week-long investigation led homicide detectives to execute search warrants in South Penrith, Mount Druitt, and Woodcroft.
A 17-year-old male was subsequently charged with murder and remains in custody, awaiting a court appearance. A 16-year-old boy was also arrested in Mount Druitt and similarly charged with murder, with bail refused.
Victim Drove Himself After Attack
Manassa, despite sustaining critical injuries, managed to drive a short distance in his car before succumbing to his wounds, police revealed on Friday.
Homicide Squad Commander Detective Superintendent Joseph Doueihi described the attack as a deliberate “ambush-style attack” where the two assailants “lay in wait” for the victim. “Both were [allegedly] armed with machete, hunting-style knives,” Doueihi stated. “Luke sustained a number of stab wounds and subsequently succumbed to those injuries.”
No Apparent Motive, Possible Gang Links
Investigators have yet to establish a clear motive for the killing, noting that Manassa was not previously known to police. However, the property Manassa was visiting at the time of the stabbing was known to law enforcement.
“This could well be a case of mistaken identity… that is a strong line of inquiry that we continue to pursue,” Doueihi explained. “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 family has publicly stated their belief that Luke was an innocent bystander caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. “That’s the family’s message,” Doueihi relayed.
A family friend, Jason Morrison, echoed this sentiment, describing the tragedy as inexplicable. “A very good kid, law-abiding young man with such a bright and great future has been taken in the most horrendous manner,” Morrison said. “I want to be here today to make sure that everyone is clear that this is, we believe, a case of mistaken identity and there’s no doubt about it, in my knowledge of this young man, what he’s about, how he’s lived his life and his family’s life, he is a very decent kid.”
“Amateurish” Execution, Potential Contract Killing
Doueihi revealed that the two arrested teenagers were “known to police” and allegedly have connections to western Sydney street gangs. He further alleged that the pair were “contracted” to carry out 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,” Doueihi added.
Police have seized several items, including knives, communication devices, clothing, and a vehicle believed to have been used to flee the scene. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities attempt to unravel the circumstances surrounding Manassa’s death and determine whether the tragic incident was, in fact, a case of mistaken identity.
