Sister of 13yo critically injured in alleged arson pleads with other teens

The sister of a 13-year-old Melbourne boy who is fighting for his life after an alleged arson incident has implored other Victorian youths not to accept money to carry out crimes. According to the ABC, the boy was one of several individuals who allegedly participated in the botched firebombing of two cars in Melbourne's north-west early Monday morning. The boy suffered severe burns to nearly his entire body, while attempting to flee, he crashed the stolen vehicle he was in and left his comatose friend engulfed in flames.

Speaking to the ABC, the boy's sister expressed concern that falling in with the wrong crowd could cost young people their lives. She emphasized that street violence is not worth the risk and never will be, adding that it is not only a crime but a threat to one's life. Despite the boy undergoing a 12-hour skin graft surgery at the Royal Children's Hospital, police recently informed a court that it was "very possible" he could die as a result of his injuries.

The youths involved in the incident allegedly received instructions to light the fire on WhatsApp by middlemen. One of the accused teens admitted to the 13-year-old's family that he was involved in the incident and apologized, offering to provide financial compensation. In Snapchat messages obtained by the ABC, the teenager expressed deep remorse for what happened to his brother and pledged to change his life by starting to attend church and taking up boxing.

The incident is part of a series of arson attacks reported across Melbourne over consecutive nights. Two 16-year-old boys, including one on bail at the time, have been arrested and charged with various offenses related to the crime. A third 15-year-old boy was arrested and later released without charge. Police allege that the teens were promised a $3,000 payment for committing the arson.