UPDATE: Two teenagers have been charged with the murder of Kaiden Morgan, an Indigenous man who died following a brutal stabbing in Morwell, approximately 155 km east of Melbourne. The court was informed that one of the accused, Tyson Fenton, 19, fears potential retaliation while in custody.
The tragic incident occurred on Saturday night, when Kaiden Morgan, 18, was allegedly attacked with a machete on The Boulevard, a residential street in Morwell. He was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly after. Another victim, a 20-year-old from Warragul, was found injured nearby but survived.
Both Fenton and a 16-year-old boy, whose name cannot be disclosed for legal reasons, appeared at the Latrobe Valley Magistrates Court on Monday, facing charges of murder and intentionally causing serious injury. Fenton, appearing remotely from custody in a black shirt, did not apply for bail and confirmed he could hear the proceedings.
Fenton’s lawyer, Ben Lewtas, expressed concerns over the lengthy 12-week timeline for police to present evidence, seeking to shorten it to 6 weeks. However, magistrate Tony Burns denied this request. Lewtas described Fenton as a young Aboriginal man with no prior criminal history, emphasizing his vulnerability and fears of retaliation while in custody.
“He requires an inhaler for asthma and may have an intellectual disability,” Lewtas stated. Fenton’s family attended the hearing, with his sister waving to him before the video link was cut. He is scheduled to return for a committal mention on February 10, while his co-accused will appear at the Melbourne Children’s Court on October 17.
Police believe the individuals involved were acquainted, highlighting a troubling cycle of violence. In a poignant connection, Kaiden Morgan was featured in an ABC story in 2024, discussing his passion for the Boorun Boys, a local Aboriginal dance group. He expressed a desire for the group’s legacy to endure, stating, “I don’t want to see it die down in 10 years.”
In response to this tragic incident, Premier Jacinta Allan emphasized the urgent need for a statewide ban on machetes and reiterated the importance of educating youth about the dangers associated with such weapons. “My thoughts are with the family of that young man,” she told reporters, calling it “another difficult time.”
This incident follows recent violence in the region, including the funerals for Chol Achiek, 12, and Dau Akueng, 15, who were killed by a group wielding knives and machetes in Melbourne’s west on September 6.
As this situation develops, authorities and community leaders are urged to address the growing violence and its impact on young lives in the region. Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.
