Teens' injuries allegedly tell story of grocer's death

Teenagers involved in the fatal assault of a grocer in Melbourne's west will have their roles determined using injuries sustained during the incident. Van Viet Truong, 60, died from severe head injuries after being allegedly attacked while trying to help another retailer. One teenager, aged 15, has been charged with manslaughter while three juveniles under 14 face lesser charges.

A magistrate granted detectives access to forensic evidence to confirm the teens' involvement. The older boy had red marks and cuts on his knuckles, one girl had minor bruising, and the other had faint red markings. The youngest boy contested the forensic procedure on legal grounds. The quartet allegedly stole items from a nearby clothing shop and were chased by a worker out of the store.

Truong intervened and was dragged to the ground, hitting his head on the pavement, causing a cracking sound. Witnesses reported seeing Truong changing colors and not moving, with bubbling sounds coming from his mouth. He later died in the hospital.