Ho Ledinh: Murder charge over Bankstown lawyer’s shooting

THE hitman allegedly ­responsible for the brazen ­assassination of Sydney lawyer Ho Ledinh at a crowded Bankstown cafe was ­arrested at Sydney Airport yesterday just before he boarded a Bali-bound flight with a one-way ticket.

THE hitman allegedly ­responsible for the brazen ­assassination of a Sydney lawyer at a crowded cafe was ­arrested at Sydney Airport yesterday just before he boarded a Bali-bound flight with a one-way ticket.

Last month’s daylight ­execution of Western Sydney lawyer Ho Ledinh, a 65-year-old father of five, occurred as he sat outside Bankstown’s Happy Cup coffee shop on January 23.

Yesterday, police arrested the man they claim pulled the trigger — 38-year-old Arthur Kelekolio. He was intercepted at Sydney Airport attempting to board a flight to Bali and was briefly mentioned in Central Local Court this morning.

Accused hitman Arthur Kelekolio was arrested at Sydney airport and charged with the murder of lawyer Ho Ledinh. Picture: Channel 9

Kelekolio did not appear in court or via video link. He was represented in court by criminal lawyer Adam Houda.

The matter was adjourned to April 11, when he will appear at Burwood Local Court.

Soon after his arrest, police executed a search warrant at a unit block next door to Hammondville Public School.

Police arrived at the Walder Rd flat where Kelekolio’s parents live about 3.15pm yesterday and left the complex about 7pm.

Accused hitman Arthur Kelekolio.

It is not suggested Kelekolio’s parents were involved in Mr Ledinh’s death. Police were seen at the white-brick complex wearing blue gloves and door knocking other units amid the hustle and bustle of the nearby school pick-up run.

Police have executed a search warrant. Picture: David Swift.

A detective leaves with a piece of paper. Picture: David Swift.

Police have been questioning neighbours. Picture: David Swift.

Detectives left the address carrying more than half-a- dozen brown paper evidence bags and a computer.

Police had not planned to arrest Kelekolio yesterday but their hands were forced when he turned up at Sydney Airport for the Bali flight.

They had been monitoring him by carefully piecing ­together CCTV footage in the moments before and after Mr Ledinh’s murder.

Police at the scene in Bankstown. Picture: David Swift.

Acting Homicide commander Grant Taylor said police ­believe Kelekolio was not the sole killer and expec­ted to make further arrests.

“We believe that he did not act alone and he was ­assisted on the day. There are other co-conspirators in the murder,” ­Acting Superintendent Taylor said.

Police released CCTV footage of a man, following the shooting. Picture: Supplied

Solicitor Ho Ledinh and his wife in a Facebook happy snap.

Police will allege Kelekolio was paid to carry out the hit in front of horrified onlookers, but did not know his ­victim. The gunman, dressed in a dark cap, a high-visibility vest, dark pants and grey gloves, fired three shots at close range before fleeing the scene on foot.

The investigation started with a massive forensic effort as detectives searched bins near the cafe and seized items such as discarded drink bottles.

Police have arrested a man following the shooting death of Ho Ledinh last month. Picture: David Swift.

Mr Ledinh fled Vietnam for Australia in the 1970s and started his suburban law practice in 1999.

The Happy Cup cafe has since ceased trading. Neighbouring shop owners told The Daily Telegraph new owners were renovating it.

Meanwhile, Mr Ledinh’s friend Vivian Vo said she was happy to hear news of the breakthrough.

Forensic officer search bins following the shooting. Picture: David Swift.

A distraught Vivian Vo at the crime scene. Picture: John Grainger