https://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/laa-chol-murder-case-linked-to-coll... Richard Ferguson
Reporter
3:39PM September 3, 2018
A violent brawl that broke out after the launch of a hip-hop record label in Melbourne at the weekend has been linked with the recent murder of South Sudanese teenager and talented soccer player, Laa Chol.
An 18-year-old Fitzroy man, who was hit by a car during the brawl involving up to 200 youths of South Sudanese and Pacific Islander backgrounds in Collingwood early Sunday morning, was reportedly interviewed by police after Chol’s stabbing death in July.
Police have yet to comment on reports suggesting that the injured man had been a person of interest in the case. He is understood to be in hospital with critical injuries.
The news comes as Gasometer Hotel owners Shannon Vanderwert and Clint Fisher distance themselves from the brawl which erupted in their pub during a hip-hop label launch party.
“We do not stand for violence, abuse or discrimination of any kind, and the events of this past weekend have been deeply upsetting for all of us,” they wrote, “We are co-operating with Victoria Police as part of its investigation.”
66 Records event organiser and artist J-Nelly had earlier warned patrons on Facebook to avoid violence. A fight between youths started inside The Gasometer during the launch party. A group of nearly 200 people later streamed out into nearby Mater St where brawling occurred. Five youths are in hospital with minor injuries as a result.
Victoria Police tried to stop the music label launch at the centre of a violent brawl in Melbourne, after learning that people with criminal records would be in attendance.
However, the organiser proceeded after obtaining advice from a Fitzroy community legal service, police have revealed.
Victoria Police acting deputy commissioner Bob Hill also defended his he police response to the incident, involving up to 200 people, which resulted in seven people being hospitalised. One man, who was hit by a car, is in a coma after having his leg amputated.
Commissioner Hill said claims police were unwilling to make arrests were false and that police numbers had been doubled in Melbourne’s CBD at the weekend.
He said police visited the Gasometer hotel in Collingwood, where the Record66 launch party took place, on eight occasions during the evening and were minutes away after receiving a call that trouble had broken out.
They pursued several individuals on foot unsuccessfully.
The Herald Sun has also reported that local police asked for more resources but were knocked back.
The fight ended when a car rammed into the crowd and pinned an 18-year-old Fitzroy man, crushing his leg. The driver is yet to be arrested.“The safety of our staff, patrons, performers and the local Collingwood community is our number one priority, and we work very hard to provide a safe and inclusive environment for everyone,” Mr Vanderwert and Mr Fisher wrote.
“We’ll keep working with the local authorities, event organisers and musicians to make sure The Gasometer is a place where we can come together to celebrate, showcase and support the incredible live music scene for which Melbourne is renowned”.
A 17-year-old male has been charged with Chol’s murder, and a 16-year-old has been charged with accessory to murder and assault.
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