Man shot dead in Condell Park in Sydney’s southwest, police probe underworld links
Police have identified the man, 23, who was shot at his home in Sydney’s southwest as John Versace. It comes as chilling details of the “brutal” execution-style hit are revealed.
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A young plumber who was brutally murdered in front of his parents on his front doorstep had just returned home late at night before being shot multiple times at close range.
Police said John Versace, aged 23, was killed at his Condell Park home on Monday night, in what sources fear is the latest Sydney underworld murder.
Emergency services were called to a home on Dalton Ave shortly before 10.30pm following reports a man had been shot.
Police have confirmed they discovered the man suffering gunshot wounds on the suburban street.
He was treated by paramedics but died at the scene.
A number of underworld sources have told the Telegraph the dead man was also known by another name.
Mr Versace’s sister Deanna paid tribute to “the world’s greatest brother” on Tuesday morning.
“John, no words can describe the pain we are all feeling and will continue to feel for the rest of our lives,” she wrote.
“You were the world’s greatest brother, son, grandson, cousin and friend.” “You did not deserve this...Our angel forever.”
A crime scene has been established, which will be examined by specialist forensic police.
Superintendent Rodney Hart told reporters the murder had “all of the hallmarks of a target... a brutal hit.”
He said the man was shot in the chest.
“A number of emergency services, paramedics, rendered first aid on this male but unfortunately he was unable to be revived and was pronounced deceased at the scene,” he said.
“A number of family members were spoken to at the scene, and also detectives viewed good quality CCTV, which was attached to the house.
“And what the detectives have learned from viewing that CCTV is that the male victim had returned home to his premises not long before the police arrival.
“He had reversed his vehicle, which was a ute, up the driveway, and parked his car very close to the garage door. As he was exiting that vehicle, a small silver hatchback, which we believe to be a Toyota Corolla, arrived at the address and parked across the driveway.
“A male exited the rear driver’s side of that car and made his way up the driveway towards the victim.
“And the victim saw the male, he backed back towards the home, and unfortunately, was up against the garage door, and an existing wall.
“At this time, the male who was dressed in all black wearing a hood and believed to have his face covered, raised his right hand, and at this time, was armed with a small hand gun, which we believe to be a Glock style hand gun.
“At this time, at very close proximity to the victim, he opened fire and we believe that he shot up to 10 bullets at the victim.
“We believe that the victim suffered at least four gunshot wounds. He slumped to the ground out the front of his home and the offender returned to the hatchback and the car was last seen travelling eastbound on Dalton Street.
Supt Hart said Versace and his family were not known to police.
“The victim is not known to police. He has no criminal record. His family members do not have criminal records.”
“We believe he is a 23-year-old plumber, possibly working in his father’s business.” “He lived at home with his mother, father, and adult sisters. His family is extremely distraught.”
Supt Hart said about 20 minuutes later the burnt out car was found in Fairfield East.
“Upon that vehicle being extinguished of the flames, and a cursory search a hand gun similar to that of a Glock style pistol was located in that vehicle.
“Now, what I want to do is - I want to assure the community that at this stage, we believe that this is, although an extremely brutal and violent execution-style murder, is a
targeted attack.
On Tuesday morning, a heavy police presence remained at the scene, with more than a dozen uniformed officers and forensic specialists combing the quiet street for evidence.
Police tape cordoned off multiple sections of Dalton Street, where a blue tent had been set up outside the home.
Officers in gloves and white overalls moved around the taped-off area, photographing and collecting potential clues as part of the homicide investigation.
Specialist detectives from the NSW State Crime Squad have commenced their investigation alongside local police.
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