Sydney Man Arrested For Mahmoud Hrouk Sexual Assault And Murder

A 22-year-old man has been arrested over the sexual assault and murder of Mahmoud Hrouk. The Sydney teenager’s body was discovered in an unrecognisable condition from a derelict house on May 17.

The suspect is expected to be charged with aggravated sexual assault and murder after the arrest made by homicide detectives. The suspect is from Fairfield East where the body of 16-year-old Mahmoud was found.

The suspect, believed to be an associate of the victim, was arrested at 3 p.m. while he was reporting at Fairfield Police Station. Mahmoud was believed to have been killed by an opportunistic attacker who had held him captive.

Mahmoud’s mother, Maha Dunia, said that her son was a hard-working teenager with no criminal history. She said that Mahmoud had wanted to own a construction company.

Sydney Morning Herald quoted Dunia describing her son as “the kindest” and “a beautiful boy.” She said that her son had loved her and she “loved him so much.” She added that her son had wished to play professional rugby league for the Bulldogs.

Mahmoud was last seen on May 16. During the Saturday evening, he rode his bike to a McDonald's outlet in Villawood. His family started a search when he did not go back home.

Mahmoud’s parents found their teenage son’s body the next day. His bike was discovered 200 metres from the home. According to police, the former Granville Boys High student suffered serious head injuries.

They discovered the body when they looked through the window of the Belmore Street house. According to detectives, the abandoned house has been a hangout for local teens in recent months.

Detective Inspector Grant Taylor called it the abandoned house as “shocking crime scene.” “As far as crime scenes go this was an appalling scene to attend and something that remains very vivid in the memory of emergency services workers who attend those types of events," ABC News quoted the detective.

Taylor said the sexual assault Mahmoud had suffered was partly responsible for her death. He added that the teenager had been held captive in the house against his will.

Contact the writer: s.mukhopadhyay@ibtimes.com.au