Hassan Osseili: Balaclava DNA led to arrest in Connells Point shooting

Police say the second shooter in a drive-by on a 9-year-old girl at Connells Point is an Alameddine family “associate” who’s nickname landed him on their radar.

One of the men who allegedly shot a nine-year-old girl in her pyjamas a fortnight ago is an alleged Alameddine crime family “associate” whose nickname landed him in the sights of police.

More details can be revealed about the bungled drive-by that has been the talk of the underworld thanks to the shambolic getaway at Connells Point, with police now charging two men.

Hassan Osseili, 21, has been unmasked as the second man police allege was involved in the shooting after he was arrested at Greenacre on Tuesday night.

Hassan Osseili, 21.

He is the second person to be charged over the shooting

Police allegedly singled out Osseili as a suspect in the aftermath when a balaclava found at a park near the scene came back with a hit for his DNA.

They also allege a phone found near the burned out getaway car had an encrypted group chat titled “Chuckie” – which also happens to Osseili’s nickname.

It is understood the messages in the group chat contained discussions from the people who orchestrated the shooting on the young family.

Police allege in court documents Osseili is affiliated with the Alameddine crime network that has wreaked havoc on Sydney’s streets in the past two years.

He was arrested this week in Greenacre

Osseili and 34-year-old Mahmoud Rizk are alleged to have pulled up to the plush Connells Point home and opened fire as the young girl’s mother was unloading groceries from their car on July 8.

The child is believed to have lifelong injuries after sustaining a bullet wound to the hip.

Rizk was arrested by police after allegedly failing to start the second getaway car – a red Mini Cooper – fumbling through mud and attempting to swim from the scene.

Both men have been charged with shoot at with intent to murder, conspire to murder any person, possessing unauthorised pistol in a public place and participating in a criminal group.

According to court documents the men conspired to murder a 36-year-old man who lives at the home.

He will face court again later this year.

The home, a plush waterfront mansion, was also shot up last year but police have since said that was a case of mistaken identity.

Osseili’s case was mentioned briefly before Bankstown Local Court on Wednesday where his lawyers Oussama Elfawal appeared on his behalf.

“It‘s way too early to comment. The fact sheet alleges very sinister conduct. Whether the police evidence can confirm that conduct was that of my client is yet to be seen,” Mr Elfawal said.

“We‘re going to have to wait for the evidence.”

Osseili will front the same court again later this year.

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