Ethan Hoac St Albans murder: Melbourne boy was run over and stabbed to death

A 14-year-old boy who was brutally murdered in a ‘targeted’ attack in Melbourne has been remembered as an ‘amazing and thoughtful friend’.

Ethan Hoac and two friends were walking home in the northwest Melbourne suburb of St Albans at about 11pm on Monday when he was run over and stabbed to death.

Ethan was found lying in the road and was rushed to Sunshine Hospital, but died before he arrived. His two traumatised friends escaped uninjured.

Police are hunting two masked attackers who were seen fleeing the area. 

Ethan’s classmate Jayden told the Herald Sun that he was ‘such a great friend’.

‘He was so amazing and thoughtful, I miss him so much already,’ Jayden saud.

‘He made everyone laugh all the time and cheered them up when they were down, he was truly amazing.

‘It just hurts so much to know that he is actually gone.’ 

CCTV footage has since emerged of Ethan’s final moments, showing him running around the area with two friends.

The trio are seen in the video looking back and shouting before disappearing near Ginifer Station, in north-west Melbourne, at about 10.47pm. 

A light-coloured SUV later pulled over next to the group before two knife-wielding men got out and attacked one of the teens, the Herald Sun reported. 

Detective Inspector David Dunstan said the attack appeared to be targeted.

CCTV footage has since emerged of his final moments showing him running around the area with two friends 

‘Any incident involving knives and fatal injuries to victims of this age is concerning,’ he said.

‘We’re doing everything we can, we’ve had police at the scene last night.

‘They’ve worked through the night and working with local police and the homicide squad to bring those responsible to justice as soon as possible.’

Victoria Police had received a report on Monday night that a number of people had been seen in the area who appeared to be armed with knives.    

A homicide squad spent Monday night and Tuesday morning searching the area for clues. 

Emergency services were too late to save the victim, who was found with critical injuries at about 11pm on Bailey Street and died on his way to Sunshine’s hospital

Investigators had taped off a section along the corner of Furlong Road and Lima Street early Tuesday morning as the hunt for evidence continued

Investigators had taped off a section along the corner of Furlong Road and Lima Street early Tuesday morning as the hunt for evidence continued. 

Shattered glass was seen scattered along Bailey Street and around the corner along Furlong Road.

SES crews were seen removing drain lids as residents in the area came to grips with the shocking attack that had taken place the night before. 

Anyone with information or anyone who witnessed the incident is urged to call Crime Stoppers as investigations continue.