Police hope scientific analysis of CCTV footage of 2012 Jason De Ieso murder will lead to arrests
THE brutal “daylight assassination” of panel beater Jason De Ieso has still not been solved, with detectives hoping the expert scientific analysis of the shooters caught on CCTV will provide a breakthrough.
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THE brutal “daylight assassination” of panel beater Jason De Ieso has still not been solved, with detectives hoping the expert scientific analysis of the shooters caught on CCTV will lead to a breakthrough in the cold case.
Mr De Ieso, 32, was shot dead in his Pooraka workshop when a group of at least nine disguised men walked into the business on Langford St and attacked.
Within seconds, at least five of the men opened fire, shooting at another group of men who were in the workshop on a break.
Major Crime Detective Sergeant Shaun Osborn said police believed Mr De Ieso was not the intended victim in the horrific gangland style murder.
“What this amounts to is a daylight assassination — the offenders have gone to this business with weapons and disguises and within seconds multiple shots had been fired,” he said.
“We don’t believe Jason De Ieso was originally the intended target.”
The unsolved case has been thrust back into the spotlight as part of Operation Persist.
Operation Persist has involved intensive reviews of many of the cold cases and renewed scientific testing of exhibits that has resulted in fresh investigations in many.
“This investigation is ongoing, it has not stopped since Mr De Ieso’s death on 21 November, 2012,” Det Sgt Osborn said.
“A very large amount of information has been gathered and analysed — including detailed scientific analysis of the CCTV video footage that was previously released to the public.
“Every effort is being made to identify everyone in that video — including the engagement of a scientific expert in biomechanics.
“That specialist has meticulously examined this footage, and other video, while considering matters such as the offender’s height, weight, movement and identifying characteristics.
“It’s an ongoing process, but we believe a positive identification could lead to one or more of these men being arrested.
“I believe this could lead to a breakthrough in this case.”
At the time of the shooting a violent gang war between the Finks and the Hells Angels outlaw motorcycle gangs had erupted. Police believe the tensions between the gangs is what sparked the shooting.
In late 2013, then police minister Michael O’Brien announced a $500,000 reward for information about the murder.
“We are appealing to the public and particularly those who may have specific knowledge — you have the capacity to give some peace to the De Ieso family who have had to live without Jason for nearly five years,” Det Sgt Osborn said.
“We understand the concerns people would have about coming forward in relation to such a blatantly violent act, but we would urge anyone with information to speak with us — even anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
“Don’t risk your freedom trying to protect these murderers.”
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at crimestopperssa.com.au — you can remain anonymous.