A 15-year-old boy has been charged after a “well-behaved” teenager was allegedly stabbed to death in front of shocked bystanders at a busy Melbourne shopping centre.
Oscar Hamilton, 16, was allegedly stabbed during an altercation at an outdoor food court at Woodgrove Shopping Centre in Melton West shortly before midday on Tuesday.
Paramedics performed CPR, but despite their best efforts, he died at the scene.
A 15-year-old boy from Melton West was arrested later on Tuesday and spent the night being interviewed by detectives.
He has since been charged with one count of murder and will appear in juvenile court at a later date.
Police say the boy and Oscar knew each other but insist no links have been established with youth gangs in the western suburbs.
“It is believed there may have been an altercation between the victim and another man,” Victoria Police said.
‘The exact circumstances surrounding the teenager’s death are yet to be determined.’
Police have arrested a 15-year-old boy from Melton West after 16-year-old Oscar Hamilton (pictured) was stabbed to death at a busy Melbourne shopping centre.
Oscar, 16, was allegedly stabbed at Woodgrove Shopping Centre in Melton West shortly before midday on Tuesday. Forensic officers are pictured at the scene
Several tributes to Oscar (pictured) were shared online in the hours following his death.
Oscar was allegedly stabbed “several times” outside La Porchetta, in front of a stunned crowd. In the image, witnesses console each other
Police are yet to recover the weapon allegedly used.
Oscar’s mother is understood to have dropped him off at the shopping centre before he was allegedly stabbed “several times” outside La Porchetta, opposite the school holiday canteens.
Police say Oscar’s mother has been assisting investigators, who have since obtained CCTV footage of the alleged murder.
Oscar’s death sparked an outpouring of tributes on social media, led by his girlfriend Briannan Hibbert.
She created a public Facebook group to commemorate the 16-year-old’s life and remembered Oscar as a “beautiful soul who I was lucky enough to call my boyfriend.”
“It was never meant to end this way, but I guess heaven needed you more than us,” she wrote.
“No one will ever get over this. You filled everyone’s lives with so much light and joy. You never failed to bring a smile to people’s faces.
“Life will never be the same without you. My heart will always hurt knowing you’re gone.
“I will never forgive whoever did this to you. We will get you justice, don’t worry.”
“Everyone was so lucky to have you in their lives. This world was too cruel to your beautiful soul.”
Many heartbroken friends remembered Oscar as a “charming” and “well-mannered” boy.
“We will miss you Oscar. There are no words to describe how much we will miss you. You were too young to die,” one wrote.
Another friend added: “It breaks my heart to know I won’t be seeing you again, but I’m so grateful for every memory we’ve had and all the moments we’ve shared along the way. You were the best and most fun friend any of us could have asked for.”
A third wrote: “My heart broke when I found out you were no longer with us. My heart aches for your family. You didn’t deserve this at all.”
A fourth wrote: ‘Rest in peace and love sweet boy. You were the sweetest soul that ever lived. You had a gorgeous smile and a very infectious laugh. You were a people pleaser, you never liked any conflict. There are no words that can describe how much I will miss you. You never deserved what happened to you.’
Police (pictured at the scene) have since charged a 15-year-old boy with the fatal stabbing.
Pip Ware, who met Oscar on a few occasions through her daughter, was moved by his family.
“It’s tragic, it’s heartbreaking, I can’t even begin to imagine what these children are going through,” she told the Herald Sun.
“It’s something these kids shouldn’t have to deal with. He was a lovely, polite boy.”
The incident comes just days after a local outlet issued a warning to shoppers about potential “gang” problems at the mall.
“I heard there might be some gang trouble this weekend in Woodgrove,” the woman wrote on Facebook Saturday.
‘I hope that’s not true… Be aware of your surroundings.’
A woman working at a shop in the centre told Daily Mail Australia she heard a group of youths “screaming and yelling” as the attack took place.
Witness Steve told 3AW the centre was packed with shoppers at the time of the attack.
“There must be 25 police cars and helicopters in the sky,” he said.
‘The food court where the incident occurred is open and there are people who don’t realize it.’
The woman said she was surprised that authorities did not close the square after the incident.
“All they did was close one entrance. That was all.”
The arrested Melton West teenager is known to have known Oscar. No links have been established with youth gangs in the western suburbs.
The alleged victim’s mother reportedly dropped him off at the mall before the attack.
Victoria Police said the “exact circumstances surrounding the teenager’s death have not yet been determined.” Pictured is a girl placing flowers at the scene.
A police helicopter was deployed to the area as detectives searched for the knifeman.
The incident comes after the mall was closed earlier this year after a fight broke out between two groups of youths armed with machetes and a butcher knife.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.