By Afraa Kori
A Pakenham couple was celebrating their 30th anniversary when Queensland Cyclone Alfred hit, extending their P&O cruise to the Whitsundays by three days.
They thought that was the worst of it until their son Logan called to say his mother’s white Hyundai Kona had been stolen from Cardinia Life while he was doing basketball training on 10 March.
Homicide Squad investigators are investigating if the Hyundai Kona stolen in Pakenham on March 10 is “linked” to the armed robbery at Boronia supermarket and the Lyndhurst murder on 14 March.
Timothy Leek, a 24-year-old man from Clyde, was allegedly stabbed during a brawl at Marriott Waters shopping centre in Lyndhurst.
Emergency services found him with serious stab wounds and transported him to the hospital, where he later died.
Southern Metro Crime Reduction Team officers arrested the 18-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy in Doveton about 5.30pm on Friday 21 March.
They were interviewed by Homicide Squad detectives and the man was charged with murder.
He was set to face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Saturday 22 March. The 17-year-old boy was released pending further enquiries.
Investigators say a group of males fought near Society Avenue before fleeing, with Timothy’s killers still on the run.
The Pakenham couple had a bittersweet experience, as the community tracked their stolen Hyundai Kona’s movements on social media. However, their hopes were crushed when the car was allegedly finally found, dumped, damaged, and with blood stains on 14 March.
“Basically what they’ve been doing is using my car as a getaway,” Logan’s mum said.
“My condolences to his parents. I’m so sorry. Who would have thought these people had such hate that they want to take someone’s life and track him down?”
“When I found out what they used the car for I was traumatised and I took two days of work. I don’t want the car back because I’m possibly going to have PTSD from all of this.”
Timothy loved ones took to social media to share heartfelt tributes and memories, celebrating his life and legacy.
“Tim was an extraordinary individual whose kindness, generosity, and infectious sense of humour brought light and joy to the lives of many. We will forever treasure the memories we created with him,“ his father wrote on social media.
Timothy’s older cousin, who initiated the GoFundMe fundraiser, expressed the overwhelming emotional and financial burden the family now carries.
“His kindness and love touched everyone he met, and his absence leaves an irreplaceable void in our hearts,“ she said.
“As we navigate this unimaginable loss, we are faced with the burden of funeral and burial costs.
“Thank you for your love and support and for keeping Timothy’s memory alive. We are forever grateful.“
Logan feels “partially to blame” since the car was in his possession at the time of the theft, and has taken time off work.
“My head’s been rocked the past few days. I’d rather the police light the car up, than have it recovered, because seeing it again would just bring back the trauma.
“It’s not just one of those things where time will pass. It’s going to be a few weeks or a few months until I can clear it out of my head completely.
“I couldn’t send enough condolences to Timothy’s family. For the fact that the car has been used in such a harsh and shitty, disgusting way.”
Social media is intensifying the situation, with people “blaming him” for leaving the car keys on the bench, and he’s struggling to block out the negativity in the comments.
“You’d think you’d be safe in a community you’ve been living in for 12 years. Cardinia Life is a great place to go and a lot of people just put their stuff on the bench, when they’re either doing basketball drills or whatever. Nothing like this has happened before,“ Logan said.
“Once mum’s car hit the news, it felt like I couldn’t escape it, and even my housemates are sick of hearing about it and reading comments . I’m sick of the notifications and the constant reminders.”
His mother wants to raise awareness about the impact of car theft, emphasizing its consequences even as a nurse.
“When we landed in Melbourne, we had very little money to get an Uber back from the airport to home. My son also couldn’t pick us up because our car was stolen. A really good friend had to come out at 2am in the morning to pick us,” she said.
“I’m relying on Ubers and public transport to get to work. I can’t afford to go to Woolies and shopping online is more expensive.“
“The insurance company offered me a rental car, but after that, I’ll have to buy a new one. My car was a leased car and I still need to make the salary packaging payment.”
The family is calling for urgent reform of bail laws and stronger government action to address the rise in youth crime.
“This has to be stamped out with immediate effect. If nothing changes, what happens from here on in? There’s going to be more and more and more,” the father said.
“If you carry a knife, machete, or a weapon that you’re not allowed to, you will reap the reward. You will be locked up!”
“They already have the minds of criminals and they’re strategic with what to do next. Like you can take away a machete but they’re going to find a crowbar, a golf club or whatever else,” Logan said.
Any footage or information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au
Fundraiser: https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-loving-memory-of-timothy-leek?attribution_id=sl:39caeeef-093a-44d9-8cc2-a7f8ebaded0e&lang=en_AU&utm_campaign=man_sharesheet_dash&utm_content=amp13_t1-amp14_c&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link
