Loved ones of gunned down bikie-linked figure in desperate search for answers

The loved ones of a bikie-linked figure gunned down in a brazen daylight attack at Craigieburn Central shopping centre have been left devastated without answers over his public slaying.

Heartbroken loved ones of a bikie-linked figure murdered in a brazen daylight shooting say they have struggled to cope following his public assassination, which followed a falling out with a major underworld drug supplier.

A group of masked gunmen shot and killed 27-year-old Robert Issa in the car park at Craigieburn Central shopping centre on October 7 last year.

Underworld sources told the Herald Sun Mr Issa had fallen out with the underworld figure, who is heavily involved in Victoria’s drug trade, in the lead-up to his murder.

Mr Issa’s relatives have broken their silence since the shooting, saying they constantly feel his absence in their lives.

A group of masked gunmen shot and killed Robert Issa in the car park at Craigieburn Central shopping centre on October 7.

His elder cousin, Adam, has paid tribute to him throughout the year since his murder.

“I wish it was me and never you,” he wrote online.

“The times we had together are honestly among the favourite times of my life.

It was an honour to share a home with you and to call you my cousin.

“(I) miss you every day.”

Mr Issa was sitting inside his white Mercedes SUV with his friend Eric Catanese when the mystery assailants opened fire about 4pm on October 7, killing Mr Issa at the scene and wounding Mr Catanese.

A year after the execution, which unfolded in front of dozens of shocked onlookers, all gunmen remain on the run.

Mr Issa’s heartbroken loved ones say they have struggled to cope without answers over his public assassination. Picture: Supplied

It is understood Mr Issa’s family regularly visit his grave as they wait for answers over his unsolved shooting.

“I miss you so much. Every time I think of you, my heart hurts. (I) love you so much,” Adam said.

“I will never stop loving you my cousin. You’re in heaven looking after all of us, our beautiful guardian angel.

“I know your (sic) in a better place now, smiling down at us. I will love you forever.”

The day after Mr Issa’s death, Victoria Police launched the Lunar task force to investigate separate rivalries between Middle Eastern organised crime groups and bikie gangs, who had ramped up their fight for control over the state’s black market tobacco trade.

It is understood Mr Issa’s clash with the key drug trade figure was not related to the tobacco conflict.

Underworld sources says Mr Issa had fallen out with a major underworld figure heavily involved in Victoria’s drug trade in the lead-up to his murder.

The assailants used three separate vehicles in their escape after running up to Mr Issa’s car and firing at least eight shots.

They were spotted speeding away from the shopping precinct in a black Range Rover sport, turning left on to Aiken Blvd before they abandoned the car and set it alight on Broad St in Westmeadows.

They were then spotted crossing a footbridge where they got into a blue Toyota which was later discovered torched on Hamersely Court in Reservoir.

Investigators last year feared the assassins may have fled overseas. Picture: Supplied

They used a third getaway car to flee from Reservoir.

Investigators held fears last year that the assassins may have fled overseas.

Gunmen also targeted the Excelsior Heights home of Mr Issa’s parents in a drive-by shooting on September 14 last year, but no one inside was injured.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said detectives were still actively investigating Mr Issa’s murder.

Anyone with information about Mr Issa’s death should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as Loved ones of gunned down bikie-linked figure in desperate search for answers