A tragic incident unfolded at Woodgrove Shopping Centre in Melton, Victoria, Australia on September 24, 2024, when 16-year-old Oscar Hamilton was fatally stabbed. The altercation took place at the center’s outdoor food court.
Police were called to the scene just before noon, where they found Hamilton with life-threatening injuries. Despite efforts from bystanders and paramedics, the teenager was pronounced dead at the scene.
Law enforcement officials quickly apprehended a 15-year-old boy, who was later charged with Hamilton’s murder. The young suspect, whose name is not being released due to legal protections for minors, made his first court appearance the following day.
Wiping away tears as he sat in the court dock, the boy did not speak during the hearing and was remanded in custody. His next court date is scheduled for January 2025. His lawyer informed the court that it was his client’s first time in custody, and he needed to be assessed by a nurse.
Hamilton’s girlfriend, Briannan Bourke Hibbert, who was with him during the incident, expressed sadness. She recalled how he consistently brought happiness and positivity into the lives of those around him. She described his smile as infectious, capable of lifting spirits on even the toughest days.
Hibbert shared the heartbreaking experience of having to tell Hamilton’s mother about his death, calling it the most difficult and emotional moment of her life. She reflected on how deeply he cared for everyone, always showing up for those who needed him. To her, he wasn’t just a supporter; he was her biggest source of strength, and he held that same role for many others in his life.
Hamilton’s family has been flooded with messages of support, and Hibbert set up a memorial page on Facebook to honor his memory. In the days following the incident, his loved ones gathered at the shopping center to lay flowers and share memories of his life.
While the court proceedings are in the early stages, no details of the alleged altercation have been released. The accused teen did not apply for bail during his initial hearing. Legal experts anticipate that further evidence will be presented in the coming months as the case heads toward trial.
