Coffs Harbour Stabbing: Murder victim identified as Trey Johnston, 16

The family of a popular Coffs Harbour 16-year-old stabbing victim have lamented a young life cut short as they ask for community support.

A 17-year-old man was charged with murder on Monday after a 16-year-old, who can now be identified as Trey Johnston, was fatally stabbed at a beach north of Coffs Harbour on the weekend.

Trey’s Aunty, Billee-Jo, has since started an online fundraiser to support the young man’s mother, stating he was a popular and dearly loved community member.

“Unfortunately, we lost our beautiful boy on Sunday due to a horrific stabbing in Corindi Beach,” she said.

“Trey was a beautiful, smart, intelligent young boy whom had his whole life ahead of him, and we now are left with only memories.

“Trey was very well known through our community and loved dearly by so many.

“Through this hard time, we are trying to stand together as a family to support one another, but most of all our sister Rikki and Trey’s siblings through this traumatic time.

“We are hoping to achieve $15,000 to cover the cost of a funeral/wake and also to be able to cover Rikki’s everyday expenses to help her get back on her feet.”

Well wishers shared their thoughts for Trey, with one stating: “I can’t imagine the pain his family are going through. We are heartbroken for them.”

The fundraiser has so far raised almost $17,000.

Local police received an emergency call on Sunday about 5:40pm, reporting an incident at Pacific Street on Corindi Beach – 30 minutes north of Coffs Harbour.

Upon arrival, they discovered Trey had sustained a stab wound to his thigh. Officers immediately administered first aid before paramedics could arrive at the scene.

Despite the efforts, Trey succumbed to his injuries at Coffs Harbour Health Campus.

Police are still investigating what sparked the alleged murder.

Footage from the scene showed officers combing through the vegetation in the coastal town, using rakes, shovels, and sniffer dogs in an attempt to locate the weapon believed to have been used in the tragic incident.

Local resident Robert Robertson recounted the nightmarish scene where emergency personnel rushed to save the victim.

“I saw a young man on the road, lot of people around him, police came, a lot of people trying to help him,” he said.

“It‘s a pretty quiet little community out here.

“My heart goes out to the family of the young fellow.”

The 17-year-old suspect has now been formally charged with offences including murder, assault leading to death, and illegal substance possession.

He has been denied bail and is scheduled to appear in court.

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Acting Superintendent Matt French expressed his sadness at the loss of life.

“I met with the victim’s mother this morning, and it’s a senseless and tragic loss of life,” he said.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.

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