Three teenagers sentenced to prison for Ethan Hoac murder in 2023 random attack
Three teenagers were sentenced to between 17 and 18 years for murdering Ethan Hoac in June 2023.
Ethan Hoac was walking with friends late one evening in June 2023 when a stolen car was deliberately driven into him in Melbourne's north-west. Two of the attackers, masked, jumped out and stabbed him.
Ethan Hoac suffered 30 stab wounds and died on the way to hospital. The attack lasted less than a minute.
The three attackers, all aged 17 at the time, were later captured on CCTV at a tennis club about 10 kilometres away, inspecting the car for damage. One pleaded guilty to murder and received 17 years with a minimum of 12 years and six months.
The driver, now aged 21, was found guilty by jury and received 18 years with a minimum of 14 years, longer because he did not receive a guilty-plea discount. A third received 17 years with a minimum of 13 years in late 2025.
- 14 years old
- Victim age
- Melbourne's north-west
- Attack location
- 30
- Stab wounds
- 17 to 18 years
- Prison sentences
Why it mattersThe sentences close a significant case of random violent crime. The court found the attack was unprovoked, cowardly, and brutal.
AustraliaVictorian families follow the case closely. The sentencing provides resolution after the community was shaken by the random nature of the attack.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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