A Melbourne community is mourning the loss of respected shopkeeper Van Viet Truong after the 60-year-old died from injuries suffered while trying to help stop an alleged theft involving a group of teenagers in Sunshine.

Mr Truong died in hospital on Wednesday after spending several days in critical condition following the alleged assault on Hampshire Road in Melbourne’s west.

His death has transformed what was initially investigated as a serious assault into a homicide case, with Victoria Police upgrading the charges against one of the alleged offenders.

Police confirmed that a 15-year-old boy has now been charged with manslaughter following Mr Truong’s death. The teenager had previously faced charges including intentionally causing serious injury before the alleged victim succumbed to his injuries.

The incident occurred about 2pm on Saturday when a group of young people allegedly stole clothing from a nearby retail store before fleeing the scene.

According to investigators, another shop owner attempted to stop the group, leading to a confrontation outside the business.

Mr Truong, who operated the long-standing Hong Hung Asian Grocery nearby, stepped in to assist during the disturbance.

Police allege he was assaulted during the confrontation and suffered catastrophic head injuries after being struck and falling to the ground. He was rushed to the Royal Melbourne Hospital, where doctors described his injuries as unsurvivable.

Following his death, detectives from the Victoria Police Homicide Squad assumed responsibility for the investigation.

The upgraded manslaughter charge has been laid against the 15-year-old boy from Melbourne’s west.

The remaining accused—including a 12-year-old boy and two 14-year-old girls—continue to face charges of affray, violent disorder, intentionally causing serious injury and intentionally causing injury.

Police have confirmed that a 13-year-old boy who was initially charged is no longer facing any charges after further investigation.

All of the accused youths are expected to appear before the Children’s Court of Victoria as the prosecution proceeds.

Mr Truong’s death has devastated Sunshine’s business community, where he was widely known after operating his grocery store for decades.

Neighbouring traders described him as a hardworking businessman who rarely took a day off and was always willing to help others.

Several said his instinct to intervene during the alleged theft reflected the kind of person he had always been—someone prepared to assist fellow traders when they were in trouble.

Friends and neighbouring business owners recalled seeing Mr Truong working seven days a week and supporting nearby businesses throughout more than 40 years in Sunshine.

One neighbouring trader described him as “a very good man” who had earned enormous respect throughout the local Vietnamese and broader multicultural communities.

The Sunshine Business Association also paid tribute to Mr Truong, describing his death as a heartbreaking loss not only for his family but for the entire shopping precinct.

Business leaders said many traders had become increasingly concerned about violence, theft and anti-social behaviour in recent years.

They argued the tragedy highlighted growing fears among small business owners who regularly confront shoplifting and aggressive behaviour while trying to protect their livelihoods.

Brimbank Mayor Virginia Tachos also expressed condolences to Mr Truong’s family and called for stronger community safety measures.

She said local police performed an important role but argued resources had not kept pace with population growth across Melbourne’s western suburbs.

The mayor urged both state and local authorities to continue working together to improve safety for traders, residents and visitors.

The case has quickly become part of a wider public debate surrounding youth crime in Victoria.

Community members have questioned whether existing laws provide sufficient deterrence for serious violent offending involving young people, while others have emphasised the importance of allowing the courts to determine responsibility based on the evidence presented.

Victoria Police has continued increasing patrols in Sunshine and neighbouring Footscray following several recent incidents that have heightened concerns among local residents and business operators.

Under Victorian law, manslaughter is a serious indictable offence carrying significant penalties if proven in court.

As the accused are children, proceedings will initially be conducted through the Children’s Court unless legal circumstances require transfer to a higher court.

The identities of the accused youths remain protected under Australian law because of their age.

Police have stressed that the investigation remains ongoing and that all charges will be tested through the judicial process.

The death of Mr Truong has resonated far beyond Sunshine.

For many, the tragedy represents the loss of a respected local businessman who intervened while attempting to help another trader during what allegedly began as a shoplifting incident.

For his family, friends and colleagues, it marks the devastating end of days spent hoping he would recover from injuries that ultimately proved fatal.

Flowers and tributes have continued to appear outside businesses along Hampshire Road as residents remember a man widely regarded as generous, dependable and deeply committed to his local community.

As homicide detectives continue their investigation, the criminal proceedings are expected to remain closely watched across Victoria, both because of the serious allegations involved and because the case has become another focal point in the ongoing discussion about public safety and youth offending in Melbourne’s west.