Mum’s heartbreak as ‘kind, respectful, beautiful’ 21yo allegedly murdered laid to rest in touching memorial service

The mother of a young man allegedly murdered in a case of “mistaken identity” has broken down in anguish while laying her “beautiful” son to rest at a touching Catholic service on Wednesday. Theresa Manassa was photographed in tears, hugging close family and friends at the funeral of Luke Manassa, 21, at the conclusion of a touching memorial attended by hundreds. Mr Manassa died from injuries sustained during an alleged attack in Pemulway, as he and his girlfriend pulled into a driveway along Driftway Dr last week. Police allege two people wearing disguises and dark clothing attacked Mr Manassa, before he was able to get back into his car and drive a short distance. The end of the funeral was marked by the release of 21 white doves, commemorating Luke’s 21 years, along with basketball balloons - a sport he loved. An emotional haka was led by Luke’s Polynesian colleagues at Mann Group. Family members were visibly emotional and Luke’s father James personally thanking those who participated. Ave Maria was played as Luke’s coffin was led from the church. A funeral program for the service carries a message from the Gospel of John, reading: “Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live.” During the touching service, a priest paid tribute to Luke’s parents amid their “heart-wrenching and gut-wrenching pain” of the “tragic and senseless” loss of their son. Several police cars watched on nearby as hundreds gathered for the service. A guard of honour was formed leading to the church, made up of employees from the family, employees of the business Mann Group – dressed in fluorescent orange construction shirts – and schoolchildren from nearby parishes. A lone woman could be heard crying in Arabic as the coffin was moved inside. Worshippers spilt out of the church from every entrance. In the homily, the clergy described the alleged act which caused Luke’s death as a “cowardly act” which had caused “gut-wrenching” pain for Luke’s family. The priest revealed Luke’s father, James, initially planned to name his son Joshua, but considered a name from the New Testament at the urging of their family. He spoke of how the name Luke was chosen because of a reading on the morning of the birth from the Gospel of Luke. The priest explained the Gospel of Luke was “part of the gospel of hope and light” for worshippers and that Luke’s life spoke to “the words and actions” of the gospel. Towards the end of the ceremony a young woman collapsed and needed to be rushed from the church by a group of mourners. Tributes have flowed for the 21-year-old in the wake of his death, with the Australian Blouza Association – a non-political organisation founded in 1949 by immigrants from the village of Blouza, in North Lebanon – announcing news of his passing with “great sadness”. On the group’s Facebook page, Charlie Baissari wrote: “Our hearts are deeply broken to hear about the passing of your beloved Angel Luke. It was clear he was a kind, respectful, and beautiful soul — the kind of young man who left a light wherever he went.” “No words can truly ease the pain of such a tragic loss, but please know our thoughts, prayers, and love are with you all during this heartbreaking time. We are so sorry. With our deepest sympathy, may he rest in eternal peace,” Mr Baissari continued. Mr Manassa’s cousin Tash Mansour wrote: “I’m lost for words. My heart goes to the rest of your siblings Anthony, Danielle, Patrick Grace and Matthew, and your parents Jamie and Theresa.” His brother David, in his own social media post, remembered Luke as a “rare soul — overflowing with kindness, love, wisdom, talent, faith, and intelligence far beyond his years”. “Luke left behind a legacy of love and light that will never fade. I’ll forever hold the memories I have with him close,” he said. “And while nothing can ease the pain right now, I stand firm in one hope: that we will be reunited again, in the presence of our loving God and Savior, Jesus Christ. “Until then, we grieve … but not without hope.” Two boys, aged 16 and 17, have been charged with Mr Manassa’s murder. Detective Superintendent Joseph Doueihi last week said investigators had not determined a clear motive for why the 21-year-old was targeted. “It perhaps (was) the wrong target … more than likely, this is a case of mistaken identity, but it’s still early days before we can absolutely confirm that,” he said. Mr Manassa did not live at the Pemulwuy home but was known to visit the property. According to his LinkedIn profile, he graduated from UTS last year and worked full-time as a project manager at his family’s demolition business Mann Group.