71-Year-Old Darwin Supermarket Owner Dies After Being Stabbed

A grocery store owner was allegedly stabbed to death while confronting a teenage thief in a tragic incident that left the community devastated.

The 71-year-old man was fatally stabbed at the Friendly Grocer Nightcliff Supermarket in Darwin on April 21. He was trying to stop an 18-year-old who was allegedly stealing from the shop.

Despite asking the teenager to return the items, the store owner was stabbed with an edged weapon before the teenager fled on a bicycle, according to Northern Territory police.

Patrons at the store provided first aid, and emergency services attempted CPR, but unfortunately, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

The teenager has been arrested by police but has not yet been charged.

Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro expressed her government’s focus on supporting the man’s family during this difficult time in a Facebook post.

“It is devastating that we are at this point again,” she said.

“Every Territorian knows that this is not okay and we reinforce our commitment that everything is on the table.”

This tragic incident occurred about two years after the murder of Declan Laverty, a bottle shop worker killed during his shift at a BWS near Darwin airport.

Following Laverty’s murder by a man out on bail, Finocchiaro’s government implemented stricter laws in response.