Tony Tadrosse, Danny Stephen charged with murder of Kalim Saliba

Two men charged with significant drug supply offences have now faced court accused of murdering an elderly man during a home invasion in Sydney’s northwest in 2020.

A pair of accused drug suppliers have been charged with murder after an elderly man was allegedly bludgeoned to death in a botched home invasion in Sydney’s northwest.

Tony Tadrosse, 58, and Danny Stephen, 33, have been charged with murder and specially aggravated break and enter with the commission of an indictable offence after the death of Kalim Saliba on April 29, 2020.

Emergency services raced to a house at Tallowwood Ave, Cherrybrook, after reports two men had forced their way into a home on April 29, 2020, just before 12.30am.

The late Kalim Saliba.

On arrival, police found two elderly occupants – 86-year-old man Kalim Saliba and a 83-year-old woman, Shahidy Saliba, suffering severe head injuries.

They were treated at the scene before being rushed to Westmead Hospital.

Tragically, Mr Saliba later died.

It is understood Homicide Squad detectives will allege Tadrosse and Stephen – who the court heard are already before the court charged over the same alleged cocaine importation and commercial supply in 2022 – are distant relatives of the Saliba family.

Documents tendered to Hornsby Local Court indicate a “wooden handled bulbous instrument” was allegedly used to wound the Salibas.

Homicide Squad detectives have charged two men over the alleged home invasion and murder of Kalim Saliba in Cherrybrook almost three years ago. Picture: NSW Police

Homicide Squad detectives have charged two men over the alleged home invasion and murder of Kalim Saliba in Cherrybrook almost three years ago. Picture: NSW Police

Tadrosse did not appear or apply for bail at Hornsby Local Court on Wednesday, with solicitor Oussama Elfawal asking the court to adjourn Tadrosse’s matter to Parramatta Local Court to align with Stephen’s case.

A police prosecutor sought a 10-week adjournment, describing the matter as a “complex investigation” with transcripts and phone data yet to be reviewed.

At Parramatta Local Court, Stephen’s lawyer Mohammed Bazzi requested an adjournment for June 21 when Tadrosse is also scheduled to appear.

Bail was not applied for and refused.

Tadrosse was already in custody on remand at Parklea Jail in relation to the cocaine importation and supply allegations, while Stephen had been on bail and residing at a Castle Hill address when he was arrested and subsequently remanded in custody.

Homicide Squad commander Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty said officers developed a brief of evidence against the two men in the months and years following the alleged murder, citing “familial links” to the well-known businessman, father and grandfather.

“It’s been nearly three years of meticulous, tenacious investigative work’’ he said.

“Police will allege this was a targeted home invasion which tragically ended with the loss of life of Kalim Saliba.

“Police will allege they would have seen him as an easy target with money – it demonstrates how callous and craven and cowardly this act was, picking on an elderly couple in their own home.”

Kalim – also known as Colin – and his wife Shahidy, also known as Josephine, previously owned Saliba Fruits in Bilpin, an apple orchard which shut in November 2021 after 49 years of business.

Supt Doherty praised the investigators’ tenacity.

“The investigators were never going to let go of this investigation,’’ he said.

“This case was so important to them - it’s nearly been three years they’ve been working on this.’’

The Saliba family issued a statement through NSW Police, requesting privacy as the court process continues.

“We are extremely thankful to the NSW Police Force for all their diligent hard work and assistance over the past three years,” the family said.

“We have full confidence in the investigation team and appreciate their support and hard work.

“This has understandably been a traumatic and emotional time for our family – we lost a treasured family member, and continue to grieve the loss every day.”

NSW Police had previously offered a $1m reward for information about Mr Saliba’s death.