Charges dropped against 12-year-old boy after death of Sunshine grocer
Police revealed the charges were withdrawn on Thursday after “significant consideration” following the death of Van Viet Truong in August.
Prosecutors have dropped assault charges against a 12-year-old boy accused of fatally bashing Sunshine shopkeeper Van Viet Truong, after realizing they could not prove the boy was criminally liable due to his age. The incident occurred on August 2 when the boy, allegedly assisted by youths, attacked Truong who was helping a fellow retail worker.
Truong, a well-known figure in the local business community who had run the Hong Hung Asian Grocery for nearly three decades, died in hospital days later. Three other teenagers still face charges over the alleged attack. Prosecutors stated they were unable to prove the boy's actions were morally wrong because of the Doli Incapax legal principle, which assumes children younger than 14 are incapable of criminal intent.
The case against the other teenagers will continue, with a 15-year-old charged with manslaughter and two 14-year-old girls facing charges of violent disorder, affray, and assault-related offences.
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