Ruka Carlson, a 30-year-old father from Mickleham, has been identified as the victim of a fatal stabbing on Chapel Street in the early hours of Sunday.
Ruka Carlson, a 30-year-old father from Mickleham, has been identified as the victim of a fatal stabbing on Chapel Street in the early hours of Sunday.
By Marta Pascual Juanola, Cameron Houston and Ashleigh McMillan
Updated April 20, 2025 — 3.15pmfirst published at 8.50am
A man stabbed to death during a brawl on Chapel Street in the early hours of Sunday has been identified as 30-year-old father Ruka Carlson, according to multiple sources.
A witness described how he and others tried to save Carlson as he was “bleeding everywhere” on the ground near the corner of Chatham Street, which at the time was busy with revellers enjoying the Easter long weekend.
Abz Al, 31, was on a night out in Prahran with friends when he saw a large group of people surrounding Carlson, who was from Mickleham in Melbourne’s north.
“The guy was on the ground, bleeding everywhere, so we tried to help,” he said.
“I was really worried because the guy was bleeding badly … we took his top off to see where he was bleeding from so we could put pressure on it.”
Emergency services arrived just after 1.30am.
Police said the victim had been in a fight involving up to six men outside a licensed venue before he was chased and stabbed several times. He was treated by paramedics but died before he reached hospital.
Nightclub industry sources speaking on the condition of anonymity told The Age an altercation with a gun involving Carlson and other patrons broke out at Love Machine before the 30-year-old was chased along Chapel Street and allegedly stabbed with a bottle.
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Al said he saw the group of men involved run along Chapel Street towards Commercial Road after the stabbing.
“They should be in jail. They should get locked up because you can’t kill someone, take someone’s life in the middle of the street,” he said.
Tributes for Carlson began to flow on social media on Sunday afternoon.
“RIP my brother,” one tribute shared online read.
“You made a lasting impact on me, I love you.”
No arrests or charges have yet been made.
Images of Carlson shared on social media show the heavily tattooed 30-year-old cuddling his children, posing with his partner in traditional Maori dress, and sitting with a friend at a venue on Chapel Street just two days before the stabbing.
Detective Acting Inspector Chris Ellway said the victim was known to police but it was not yet clear if he had any affiliations with organised crime or gangs.
Carlson was due to appear in Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court next month, according to court records.
“I don’t think it was a random attack … but we’re still trying to work out what the circumstances are,” Ellway said at a press conference on Sunday morning.
Forensic investigators were seen removing a glass bottle from the scene, which police believe was used in the attack. It is unknown whether it was the source of the fatal stab wounds.
Police also seized what looked to be a firearm, which Ellway said was still being analysed to determine whether it was genuine or an imitation.
It took police some time to tape off the crime scene due to the sheer number of people on the street.
“No one wants to see violence when they come out for a good night out with their friends and family,” Ellway said.
“It was a busy time, there was a lot of people walking, and cars driving up and down the street … Police had some difficulties trying to contain what is quite a large scene on a busy street.”
Blood spatter could be seen on the road as forensic investigators combed the scene.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, has CCTV/dashcam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
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Marta Pascual Juanola is a crime reporter at The Age.Connect via Twitter or email.
Cameron Houston is a senior crime reporter.Connect via email.
Ashleigh McMillan is a breaking news reporter at The Age.Connect via Twitter or email.
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