A 21-year-old man, Luke Manassa, was allegedly stabbed to death by two teenagers on June 26 in western Sydney. New South Wales police are investigating whether the attack was a case of mistaken identity. At around 10:45 p.m., authorities were called to Driftway Drive in Pemulwuy following reports of a man being stabbed outside a house. Police say two males dressed in dark clothing and disguises attacked Manassa, who was with his girlfriend. Homicide detectives later executed search warrants in South Penrith, Mount Druitt, and Woodcroft. A 17-year-old male was charged with murder and refused bail to appear in a children’s court. A 16-year-old boy was also arrested in Mount Druitt and charged with murder. Manassa managed to get back into his car after the stabbing and drove a short distance before succumbing to his injuries. NSW Ambulance paramedics treated Manassa, but he died at the scene. Police have not identified any motive for the attack and stated that Manassa was not known to police. Detective Superintendent Joseph Doueihi believes Manassa may have been the victim of an ambush-style attack. The property where Manassa was stabbed was known to police. The victim’s family believes he was an innocent party and was at the wrong place at the wrong time. Police say the arrested teenagers are known to police and had links to western Sydney street gangs. They allegedly were contracted to commit the killing but executed the offense in an amateurish and disorganized manner. Police have seized knives, communication devices, clothing, and a vehicle believed to have been used to flee the crime scene.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/jul/04/man-stabbed-in-sydney-may-have-been-mistakenly-targeted-by-amateurish-teen-contract-killers-police-says
