Teens face double murder charges over 'revenge' killing

The eight young men, aged between 15 and 19, allegedly set upon Chol Achiek, 12, and Dau Akueng, 15, as they walked home from a basketball match in Cobblebank, in Melbourne's outer northwest, on September 6.

The attack occurred about nine months after 18-year-old Kon Hsu Sein was killed in a bloody brawl in the city's outer west.

Five people have been charged over that incident.

A youth gang had been "specifically targeting Sudanese males" to avenge Mr Sein's alleged murder when they attacked the two boys, prosecutor Kristie Churchill SC told the Supreme Court during the youngest accused's bail hearing in December.

Victoria Police had initially charged a Thornhill man and four teenage boys with murdering Dau.

A Caroline Springs man, a Wollert man and a teenage boy were initially charged with Chol's murder.

"All eight people have now been charged with both murders," police said in a statement on Thursday.

Ms Churchill previously alleged in court those accused of Chol and Dau's "incredibly violent and horrific" killing did not know the two children but argued the motive was "retribution, revenge".

Detective Jarrad Brookman told the court one of the co-accused in the Cobblebank double murder was present when Mr Sein was killed by a youth gang of South Sudanese men.

He said the alleged murders were tied by the left hands of Mr Sein and Dau being severed.

Australian Associated Press