Premier Mark McGowan said he did not have a magic solution to youth violence following the death of a 17-year-old boy and stabbings at McDonald’s in Canning Vale over recent days but he hoped young people would learn from the incidents.
Jacob Cummins, 17, died after he was struck by a car while walking in Eucalyptus Boulevard, Canning Vale about 4.15pm on December 7 an hour after a fight between school-aged children on Ranford Road escalated into a stabbing at McDonald’s.
The driver of the car, 20-year-old Aya Hishmeh, has been charged with murder and four counts of attempted murder while a 35-year-old Canning Vale man was charged on December 11 over the stabbing.
Mr McGowan said there was no easy fix to prevent violence among young people but he hoped that people would learn to control their anger.
“This is a good example for any young person out there how a rush of blood and starting a fight can lead to hugely tragic consequences,” he said.
“A young man lost his life, others have been grievously injured and a woman is now on trial for murder.
“It’s beyond description how tragic it is and it’s all avoidable.
“Sometimes people act stupidly and things to wrong.
“It’s all avoidable.”
