Unbelievable twist as aspiring businessman, 21, is stabbed to death in the driveway of suburban home while girlfriend watched on in horror – as cops reach a terrifying conclusion

The fatal stabbing of 21-year-old aspiring Sydney businessman Luke Manassa may have been a case of mistaken identity, police say – as two teenagers are charged over what detectives believe may have been a contract killing. 

Mr Manassa, 21, and his girlfriend arrived at a home on Driftway Drive in Pemulwuy, western Sydney, on the evening of June 26, when he was allegedly ambushed and attacked in the driveway.

Two unknown men, dressed in dark clothing and disguises, allegedly stabbed the 21-year-old entrepreneur with hunting-style knives, NSW Police said.

Police believe Mr Manassa then got back into his car and drove a short distance before being overcome by his injuries.

Homicide Squad detectives have charged two teenagers over the fatal stabbing. 

The squad’s commander, Detective Superintendent Joseph Doueihi, told reporters on Friday it was believed to be a botched killing.

‘We believe that these these young offenders were contracted by someone to conduct this killing,’ he said, adding that the alleged intent was murder.

‘We don’t know who those people are, or if they’re involved with any particular organised crime group.’

‘I can indicate that, by the way this offence was executed by these two young persons, it was very amateurish, which certainly assisted our investigation,’ he said.

‘This could well be a case of mistaken identity,’ he said.

‘It’s probably too early at this stage to absolutely confirm that Luke was a mistaken identity, but (it’s) certainly heading towards that.’

Det. Supt. Doueihi said Mr Manassa was not adversely known to the NSW Police but the occupants of the home were. The young man would visit there occasionally.

Mr Manassa’s family own a demolition company and the aspiring businessman had studied property economics at UTS. 

He described himself as a young businessman on a podcast last year and discussed his entrepreneurial endeavors and ‘side hustles’ like selling designer sneakers.

‘I knew what I wanted to do for a long time. I wasn’t concerned with much else,’ he previously said in a podcast interview. 

Mr Manassa’s sister Grace shared a moving tribute on TikTok to her brother on Wednesday with the message: ‘Fly high Lukie.’

In footage from over the years, a young Luke can be seen dancing with his younger sister at an event.

‘I miss you my angel, this world didn’t deserve you,’ she said in the caption. 

Basketball club Inner West Bulls also said their thoughts were with Ms Manassa’s family.

‘We remember Luke not only for his talent, but for the kindness, energy, and brotherhood he brought to the team,’ the Facebook post said.

‘He was a valued member of the Bulls – strong, kind, and respected by all who knew him. We will carry your memory on the court, always.

‘You will be deeply missed by the entire Bulls community.’  

Emergency services were called to the home at about 10.45pm that evening regarding reports that a man had been stabbed.

On Thursday at about 6am, detectives carried out searches in South Penrith, Mt Druitt, and Woodcroft.

In South Penrith, police arrested a 17-year-old boy who was taken to Penrith Police Station.

He has been charged with murder and failure to comply with digital evidence access order direction.

The teen was on bail at the time and police allege that, at the time of the incident, was subject to a curfew.

Officers also arrested a 16-year-old boy in Mt Druitt, who was taken to Mt Druitt Police Station and charged with murder.

Both are linked to western Sydney street gangs and were refused bail. They are due to appear in children’s court on Friday.

During the search warrant in Woodcroft, police seized what they will allege was used as the getaway car from a separate residence. Two knives have also been seized.

The investigation continues. 

It comes nearly two months after innocent plumber John Versace, 23, was shot dead as he got out of his ute at his family’s home in Dalton Avenue in Condell Park, in Sydney’s south-west, about 10.30pm on May 19.

The shooter unloaded about 10 rounds of bullets, with Mr Versace suffering four gunshot wounds to his chest and stomach. He died at the scene.

Det. Supt. Doueihi said on Friday that Mr Manassa’s killing was indicative of violence on Sydney’s streets.

‘More broadly, we’re seeing some very young people being involved in very horrific crimes across Sydney,’ he said.