In a Melbourne court today, a verdict was reached in the tragic case of Declan Cutler, a 16-year-old victim of a brutal street attack. Four boys were found guilty of his murder after a frenzied assault in March 2022.
Declan Cutler was walking alone in Melbourne’s north when he was ambushed by a group of eight boys, who kicked, stomped, and stabbed him. The attack, captured on CCTV, showed the horrifying extent of the violence inflicted upon the unarmed and defenseless teenager.
In a solemn hearing at the Victorian Supreme Court, Justice Rita Incerti delivered the verdict, condemning the attackers for their ruthless actions. The victim’s parents, Samantha Cutler and Bryan Beattie, were present in court. While Samantha broke into sobs upon hearing the verdict, Bryan, who missed the hearing, was informed of the outcome by the prosecutor and hugged her in a poignant moment outside the courtroom.
Declan’s father, Bryan Beattie, had previously made an emotional plea for an end to knife crime, emphasizing the need for justice for his son and for society to address the scourge of youth violence.
The defendants, known by pseudonyms SA, DM, QDM, and SY, maintained their composure as the guilty verdict was handed down. Despite their claims of innocence, the court found them responsible for Declan’s death, citing the overwhelming evidence presented during the trial.
The sentencing for the convicted teenagers will take place at a later date. Despite their pleas of not guilty, the court determined their culpability in the murder based on the CCTV footage and forensic evidence.
Declan’s tragic death has sparked a renewed conversation about youth violence and the devastating impact of knife crime. While the verdict provides some closure for the victim’s family, it serves as a stark reminder of the need for societal action to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As the legal proceedings continue, the community mourns the loss of Declan Cutler and stands in solidarity with his grieving loved ones. The sentencing hearing will be a crucial moment for justice to be served and for the perpetrators to be held accountable for their heinous actions.