Strike Force Roslyn identify fresh information in Heddon Greta shooting murder
The homicide squad has taken the lead on Strike Force Roslyn, established to investigate the shocking Heddon Greta shooting murder, as fresh leads into a possible motive are uncovered.
Newcastle
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Suspected drug supply and bikie links remain key lines of inquiry for detectives delving into the targeted shooting murder of a young father near the front door of a Heddon Greta home just days after Christmas.
And it can be revealed that Strike Force Roslyn, established immediately after the December 27 slaying to find the 25-year-old’s killers, has been taken over by the state’s homicide squad with the assistance of Hunter Valley detectives.
A number of people gained entry to the Traders Way home about 11pm before an altercation near the front door ended when the victim was shot and left to die.
Up to five other adults and two children, who were also in the home at the time of the shooting, were not physically injured.
Strike Force Roslyn was established immediately after the shooting and is now being run by the state’s homicide squad with assistance from Hunter Valley detectives.
A white SUV remains central to the investigation, with detectives certain those who attempted to storm the house escaped in the vehicle, which was last seen being driven along Main Rd at Heddon Greta in the hours before 11.30pm.
Investigators continue to scour the suburb’s roads and major routes for closed circuit television footage as they continue to probe a motive.
And although the victim was not very well known to police, intelligence suggests there are links to the local drug trade and outlaw motorcycle gangs.
Both links are being closely looked at by Strike Force Roslyn detectives.
No one has been charged over the shooting.
A friend of the dead man said “regardless of what is being said”, he did not deserve to be shot in his own home.
“He was a good kid and yes he adored his little ones,” the friend told The Newcastle News.
“What happened is still beyond belief for so many of us up here, we are all still trying to unpack it.
“Regardless of what is being said by media about what he was up to, he should never have been murdered in cold blood where his children were.
“This is nothing less than an absolute inexcusable tragedy. I hope whoever did this is tormented to the point of insanity forever.
“RIP young D. You were more than they are saying, you were always there to help anyone who needed you. You were a father, a human being, it should have been God that decided when your time was up, not these animals!”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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