‘Kind, respectful, and beautiful soul': Heartbreaking tribute as man allegedly murdered in case of ‘mistaken identity' laid to rest

News.com.au

09-07-2025

Family and friends of a young man allegedly stabbed to death in the driveway of a Sydney west home are gathering to lay the 'kind, respectful, and beautiful soul' to rest at a ceremony in Harris Park.
Luke Manassa, 21, died from injuries sustained during the alleged stabbing attack in Pemulway, as he and his girlfriend pulled into a home along Driftway Dr.
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.
Mr Manassa's funeral will be held at Our Lady of Lebanon Co-Cathedral in Harris Park from 11am.
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.'
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.