Three charged after Good Samaritan's murder at Melbourne railway station
A man who was killed while trying to protect a teenage boy from an alleged armed robbery in Melbourne's outer north has been described as a "quiet hero" and "special young man".Aidan Becker, 22, died at Mernda Railway Station after he was allegedly attacked by four males as he helped a 14-year-old boy who was being assaulted about 5:50pm on Friday.The off-duty security guard was walking home from work at the time.It's alleged Mr Becker walked the teenage boy out of the station, but was followed by the group who then turned on him, punching, kicking and attacking him with an edged weapon.Several bystanders performed first aid until paramedics arrived, but he died at the scene.Police at Mernda Railway Station after 22-year-old Aidan Becker died on Friday. (ABC News)On Sunday, there was a stream of people leaving flowers at the station.A visibly upset woman said Mr Becker would have stepped in without worrying about his own safety."He couldn't hurt a soul; all he wanted to do was help people," she said."He would do anything to help anyone; he'd give the shirt off his back to a random person."She said Mr Becker's family was struggling to come to terms with the way he died.A 22-year-old died at Mernda Railway Station on Friday night after he allegedly stepped in to help a 14-year-old boy who was being attacked. (ABC News: Costa Haritos)On Sunday afternoon, the state government announced its crime prevention Violence Reduction Unit was working with Victoria Police and the Department of Education "to deploy a coordinated response in Mernda — providing community support and reassurance so that young people feel safe coming and going from school".The body, announced late last year, has been designed to tackle the causes of criminal activity among youth by coordinating targeted responses within communities."My thoughts are with the family of the man who was brutally stabbed in Mernda — our hearts break for them," Premier Jacinta Allan said."We created the Violence Reduction Unit for this reason, to work with the community in the aftermath of violence and prevent further trauma."'Special young man' honoured by former football club, employerLocal woman Rachel Taranto said she wanted to pay her respects to Mr Becker."I just felt sadness. I could feel it in the air last night ... what his family his going through," she said."Their son is a hero and he will be remembered for what he did."Yarrambat Football Club paid tribute to Mr Becker, a former player, saying he would "always be remembered as a very special young man"."Aidan was the kind of teammate every club hopes for — selfless, team-first and always willing to put others before himself," a statement from the club read."Aidan brought people together and represented everything that our club stands for — effort, attitude, respect."Loading Instagram contentThe Alfred Hospital, which employed Mr Becker, also released a statement mourning the young security officer and labelling him a "quiet hero"."Aidan's colleagues at The Alfred describe him as a dedicated, respected, and much-loved member of our security team," the statement said."He will be remembered for being full of life, and for his positive energy, kindness and dedication. He was a quiet hero who gave his all for those around him."Aidan's loss is being felt by all his teammates, and we are providing support to help them through this challenging time."On Sunday two Mernda workers, Michael and Jessica Nackovski, said crime was increasing in the area as they laid a floral tribute for Mr Becker."It's worrying for young families taking the train ... everyone's feeling on edge lately," Mr Nackovski said."You're scared to even walk out of the shop and go and move your car," Ms Nackovski added.Michael and Jessica Nackovski lay flowers for Aidan Becker at Mernda Railway Station on Sunday. (ABC News)They praised Mr Becker for his bravery and expressed their condolences to his family.Accused remanded in custodyHomicide Squad detectives arrested a 16-year-old, two 17-year-olds and an 18-year-old man on Friday evening.The 16-year-old and one of the 17-year-olds have been charged with murder and armed robbery.They have appeared in a children's court.An 18-year-old from Mill Park, Mike Pikos, has also been charged with murder and armed robbery.In court documents, police allege the man was armed with a machete when he robbed the 14-year-old of a phone and a power bank valued at $500.The Homicide Squad joined investigating officers at Mernda Station on Friday night. (ABC News)Mr Pikos appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Sunday and was remanded in custody to re-appear in June.His lawyer told the court her client was vulnerable in custody because of his age and appearance.She requested that he see a custody nurse.The second 17-year-old is under police guard in hospital and is yet to be interviewed.Police continued to appeal for anyone with footage or who witnessed the incident during the busy evening peak at the railway station to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
