Family of boy who security guard died trying to protect pay tribute to Aidan Becker’s ‘courage and compassion’

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allen has shed tears at a makeshift memorial for hero Melbourne security guard Aidan Becker, who was allegedly murdered while trying to protect a 14-year-old boy from an attempted robbery.

Aidan Becker, 22, died after he came to the aid of a 14-year-old schoolboy at Mernda Station in Melbourne’s north-east on Friday night, with four teenagers allegedly stabbing him with machetes.

Becker died at the scene, where a floral tribute is growing in his memory.
The boy who was allegedly being robbed when Aidan Becker stepped in left a heartfelt note at the scene of the alleged attack. (Nine)

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan today wiped away tears as she added to the growing display after meeting privately with Becker’s family.

“It’s an opportunity for me to just sit and listen and also express my deepest, deepest sympathy for somene who was a strong young man,” she said.

“And to think he was just trying to do the right thing, makes it even more heartbreaking for his family and loved ones.”

Alongside a large bouquet from the state government, lay a heartfelt message from the teenage boy whose life Becker saved.

“To family of Aidan Becker. Thanks for saving my life,” a sealed red envelope attached to a big bunch of flowers read.

Aidan Becker, left, has been remembered as a “beautiful boy”. (Nine)

The family of the boy, who has not been identified, expressed their sorrow at his tragic death in a statement released today.

“We are deeply saddened by this heartbreaking loss,” they said.

“He showed extraordinary courage and compassion in risking his life to save our son.”

“We hold your family in our thoughts and prayers.”

The Becker family also expressed their gratitude to the public through a family friend.

“The outpouring of support from the public has been deeply appreciated, and the family are grateful for the kindness and compassion shown during this time,” Chris Katelaris said.

Jacinta Allan left a bouquet at the scene. (Nine)

All four teenagers alleged to be involved in Becker’s stabbing have now been charged with murder and armed robbery.

A family friend of the Beckers has called for action, not words, from the Victorian government.

Emad, a co-worker and friend of Aidan Becker’s mother, Natalie, recalled the moment she called him to reveal what happened to her son.

Emad said he was watching the football when he received a call he admitted “traumatised” him.

“By the time I went to call her, I received a message [saying], ‘Call me, they killed my son,” he revealed to 3AW’s Jacqui Felgate.

“When I rang her and then I saw her, you just visualise, ‘what would you do in this situation?’

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Emad wants Becker’s tragic death to be a catalyst for change. (Nine)

“This wasn’t a gang versus gang attack. This is a beautiful boy who went to the aid to try to save a 14-year-old boy.”

Emad urged the government to act.

“There’s an opportunity now to lead by example and not just use it as a slogan,” he said.

“What people want is for tragedies like this to lead to conversations… I’m not sure what the policy will become, but I just think whatever we’re doing at the moment isn’t working.”

The Victorian government is attempting to crack down on crime, including by giving harsher sentences to children who commit violent crimes in an initiative called “Adult Crime, Adult Time”.

An information stall has also been set up at Mernda Station by the government’s Violence Reduction Unit to provide support and contacts to the community.