Teen is stabbed to death after a night out in Melbourne - as another is arrested
A teenager has died after being stabbed to death in the Melbourne CBD.
- Jojo Punvaree, 19, stabbed during a night out
- READ MORE: Documentary filmmaker's harrowing encounter in Melbourne
By NICHOLAS COMINO, NEWS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA
Published: 04:31 GMT, 11 January 2026 | Updated: 09:34 GMT, 11 January 2026
A teenager stabbed to death during a night out in Melbourne's CBD has been identified as a Muay Thai fighter.
Emergency crews were called to the intersection of King and Little Bourke streets at about 2.40am Sunday after reports of a violent altercation inside a licensed venue.
Jojo Punvaree, 19, suffered multiple stab wounds and collapsed on King Street.
Despite efforts from first responders, he died at the scene.
Police launched a manhunt and arrested a 19‑year‑old man in nearby Aurora Lane a short time later and is still interviewed by detective. No charges have yet been laid.
Investigators believe Mr Punvaree and the alleged offender were known to each other.
Cheltenham gym Knockouyone Muaythai paid tribute to Mr Punvaree on Sunday.
'RIP Jojo … you will be sadly missed but always loved,' the gym posted online.
Jojo Punvaree, 19, was stabbed during a night out in the Melbourne CBD
Police were called to Little Bourke Street (pictured) following reports of a stabbing at a venue
A large crime scene remained in place on Sunday as homicide detectives and forensic officers scoured the area.
King Street was closed between Bourke and Lonsdale streets.
Anyone who saw the incident or has dashcam or CCTV footage has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
The incident follows a spate of violent incidents across Melbourne.
CCTV captured a machete‑wielding gang ambushing two young men on Lygon Street in Carlton just before midnight on New Year's Eve, leaving both with critical injuries as the attackers fled.
Days later, dash cam footage from the Monash Freeway at Narre Warren showed masked men, some armed with machetes and metal poles, pouring out of crashed cars and brawling in live traffic, forcing shocked drivers to reverse off the freeway while police dogs searched the nearby bush.
No injuries were reported and a man who was questioned was released without charge.