Ex-Lone Wolf bikie Yusuf Nazlioglu shot dead in front of new wife

An ex-bikie and cleared suspect in the 2018 murder of Comanchero boss Mick Hawi has been shot dead in front of his new wife.

Police believe former Lone Wolf bikie Yusuf Nazlioglu was “targeted” in a fatal shooting at a carpark in Sydney’s inner west on Monday evening.

It is understood Mr Nazlioglu was shot dead in front of his new wife, Jade Nazlioglu, who posted about the pair’s marriage on Facebook in January.

The couple reportedly arrived at their Rhodes apartment complex on Walker St around 6.30pm, when their vehicle was approached by an unknown man, who shot Mr Nazlioglu multiple times.

The 40-year-old was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to hospital, where he died around 7.15am on Tuesday.

The unknown man left the scene in a small, silver hatchback, which was found burnt out a short time later near Leeds St.

It is understood Mr Nazlioglu’s wife was in the vehicle next to him at the time of the shooting. Picture: Facebook

“The attack, in our view, was a targeted attack,” Detective Superintendent Martin Hayston said.

“The person who approached the 40-year-old male and shot him, clearly was there to do that.”

In 2018, Mr Nazlioglu was charged with the murder of Comanchero boss Mick Hawi, who was fatally shot outside a Sydney gym that same year.

He was found not guilty.

Yusuf Nazlioglu has died after being shot in Sydney’s inner west. Picture: Gordon McComiskie

Mr Nazlioglu was convicted on an unrelated charge of possessing a prohibited firearm and sentenced to three years’ jail, before being released on parole in September last year.

A heavy police presence was seen in the area the shooting occurred and large areas were taped off to the public.

It is the latest in a string of violent incidents following a feud between the Alameddine and Hamzy organised crime groups.

Police said they are providing support to the family, including Ms Nazlioglu. Picture: Facebook

Mr Nazlioglu was recorded by covert device while in prison boasting about threats to his life, The Daily Telegraph reported.

“I used to hear people outside were going to knock me, yeah?” Mr Nazlioglu was heard saying.

“I used to still leave my house, brother, knowing that one day someone’s going to sneak up on me and put one in my head.

“But I still f***ing went to the same hairdresser, went to the same f***ing restaurants, yeah. I still showed my face in front yard and hung out with boys at their porches at their houses, yeah, knowing I’m gunna get knocked one day.”

Superintendent Hayston said he “did not know” whether Mr Nazlioglu had a target on his back.

He also said he had no reason to “believe or disbelieve” whether this shooting was linked to any other incidents.

Mr Nazlioglu had previously boasted about threats to his life and spent seven years in jail for the random stabbing attack of a man he did not know. Picture: Damian Shaw

Mr Nazlioglu was raised in Sydney by his parents, who were originally from Turkey.

He spent seven years in jail between 2002 and 2009 for a vicious stabbing attack on a man who he did not know and had been walking with his wife and young child.

Mr Nazlioglu admitted to being on cocaine at the time of the offence.

Superintendent Hayston said police were providing support to Mr Nazlioglu’s family during this “traumatic” time.

“Obviously, when anyone loses a loved one, it’s very traumatic for them and we’re providing every bit of assistance we can,” he said.

Police have appealed for any information on the shooting as their investigation continues.

“Officers from Burwood Police Area Command – with assistance from the State Crime Command’s homicide squad – have commenced an investigation under Strike Force Claypinch,” a NSW Police statement said.

As inquiries continue, police urge any witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward and contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as Ex-Lone Wolf bikie Yusuf Nazlioglu shot dead in front of new wife