Two teens had faced allegations tied to a 17-year-old girl near Keysborough Secondary College.
MELBOURNE, Australia — Victoria Police have withdrawn charges against two teenage boys accused in an alleged abduction of a 17-year-old girl near Keysborough Secondary College in Springvale South.
The case drew attention after court documents alleged the girl was taken near the school on June 26 with intent to force her into a marriage without her consent. Police later said the Armed Crime Squad had withdrawn the charges and that all parties had been told of the decision.
Police had alleged the girl was entering the school about 8:30 a.m. when she was approached by a male, forced into a vehicle and driven from the scene. An 18-year-old man, Ayom Deng, was arrested July 1 in Melbourne’s west and appeared in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court later that day. A 15-year-old boy also was charged in the matter and was expected to appear in a children’s court. Police said at the time that the people involved were known to one another.
Court documents released after Deng’s appearance alleged he was driving the vehicle and accused him of abduction, kidnapping, false imprisonment, unlawful detention, committing an indictable offense while on bail and driving without a license or permit. The documents also alleged the girl was detained against her will. Deng did not apply for bail during the initial court appearance, and his lawyer told the court he had been diagnosed with PTSD and was vulnerable because of his age and appearance.
The allegations changed course Friday when police confirmed the charges against both teens had been withdrawn. Authorities did not publicly give a detailed reason for the decision. A police statement said any new information provided to officers would be thoroughly assessed. The withdrawal means the two teens are no longer facing those charges in connection with the alleged June 26 incident.
The case began in Springvale South, a suburb in Melbourne’s southeast, where Keysborough Secondary College operates campuses serving local students. The reported timing of the incident, during the morning arrival period, added concern because it was said to have happened as the girl was coming to school. Reports said she was taken to a hospital after the incident. Police have not released further public details about her condition.
The withdrawal of charges leaves key questions unanswered, including what evidence led police to step back from the case and whether any further investigative steps are underway. Police said the Armed Crime Squad had contacted all parties after the decision. No new court date tied to the withdrawn charges has been announced.
As of Saturday, July 4, the case stands with charges withdrawn against both teens. Police said any new information will be assessed if it is provided.
Author note: Last updated July 4, 2026.