WA Police have charged three people with murdering a teenage boy in Waikiki, south of Perth, on Saturday night.
A 17-year-old boy from Port Kennedy, an 18-year-old man from Wellard and a 27-year-old man from Waikiki have all been charged with murder.
It is alleged the 17-year-old victim, Chikayne Heslip, was assaulted by a group near the corner of Porpoise Grove and Andes Close.
He was then allegedly assaulted a second time outside a home on Resolution Drive.
The boy died in Rockingham Hospital.
His family released a statement saying Chikayne was a "beautiful, caring young man" who "always put others first".
"Our understanding is that Chikayne died protecting his mates, and in our eyes he will always be a selfless hero," the statement said.
"You will always be remembered as our hero."
'The people responsible were cowards'
Assistant Commissioner Brad Royce agreed with the family.
"On the night, Chikayne was there with friends and he did go to their aid and that resulted in him being chased from the party and where we are at today," he said.
"From the family's point of view, he died protecting his friends and we agree with that.
"The people responsible for this were cowards. There was a number of them and one boy."
Assistant Commissioner Royce said the killing would concern all families in WA.
He said police believed the alleged offenders were not invited to the party.
"I think most families wouldn't expect to send their 17-year-old to a party and have police turn up with that sort of news.
"It's a bit of a sign of the times that most parents are fearful … we do have violence at some of these parties, the parties get out of hand."
Police had previously said Chikayne was stabbed. The Assistant Commissioner said it was not being alleged that all three of the charged men had knives.
