Teen boy, 13, walks free after being cleared over violent group bashing that left Melbourne good Samaritan grocer dead after he stepped in to help

A 13-year-old boy has been cleared of all charges relating to a violent group attack in Sunshine, western Melbourne, that killed good Samaritan grocer Van Viet Truong. The 60-year-old died after intervening to help a fellow retailer who was allegedly being assaulted by a group of youths, an act that ultimately cost him his life and has drawn attention as a case of a bystander being fatally injured while trying to help others.

Charges of violent disorder, affray and intentionally causing injury against the boy were struck out by a magistrate at a children's court on Friday, after a prosecutor revealed evidence had emerged suggesting he might be exonerated. Mr Truong had been dragged to the ground and repeatedly struck after members of the group turned on him, and he died four days later when his life support was switched off. Two 14-year-old girls have been granted bail, while a 15-year-old boy remains in youth detention charged with manslaughter over the attack.