Suspected mafia figure John Latorre ‘targeted hit’ followed confrontation with extended family members

Police continue to investigate the “targeted hit” of suspected mafia figure John Latorre, who was murdered in his driveway just weeks after a bitter confrontation with two men.

John Latorre was shot dead in his Greenvale driveway last year. Picture: Newswire

Suspected mafia figure John Latorre was murdered in his driveway just weeks after a bitter confrontation with two men at a family gathering.

Mr Latorre, who was shot dead in his Greenvale driveway just over a year ago, had demanded his family cease any involvement with the men who were part of his extended family.

Although known to police and widely regarded as being linked to the mafia, Mr Latorre’s position within the hierarchy of Australia’s Calabrian Mafia, known as the ‘Ndrangheta, is unclear.

The extended family with whom he was feuding are currently facing charges in a lower court over a non-related matter.

But it has been alleged the 64-year-old Latorre had fallen out with the men, who are brothers, over his wholesale fruit and vegetable business.

The Herald Sun is not suggesting the extended family members were involved with Mr Latorre’s murder, only that there had been a bitter argument between them.

Vegetable wholesaler John Latorre, who was shot dead outside his house. Picture: Supplied

Victoria Police continue to investigate the “targeted hit’’ on March 12 last year, with his assassin striking as he left his home for the Melbourne Market.

It’s understood Mr Latorre was shot three times.

Sources allege Mr Latorre was so angered at the sight of the brothers after spotting them at a family function known as “Tomato Sauce Day’’, a traditional event, he kicked over a bucket in anger.

“They are dogs,’’ he is alleged to have yelled as he entered the home of his sister-in-law, Gina.

“Anyone who hangs around with them are dogs. Anyone who eats at their restaurant is a dog.’’

The brothers, who moved from Calabria to Australia within the past decade, are relations of Mr Latorre’s business partner and brother-in-law, Rocco Grillo.

They are the sons of a Calabrian farmer, known to Italian authorities, who was murdered in 2011.

It is understood Mr Latorre helped the brothers set up in Melbourne, according to well-placed sources.

Since, the pair have bought an Italian restaurant in the northern suburbs.

Mourners leaving the funeral of John Latorre in Moonee Ponds. Picture: NewsWire

Mr Latorre had derided one of the brothers, dubbing him “Masterchef’’.

A family member told the Sunday Herald Sun they continue to wait for answers.

“We’re just a plain and simple family,” a family member said.

“I want it to be solved.

“I want it solved for our sake and for his sake because he’s not here to stand up for himself.”

Mr Latorre was “well respected” within Melbourne’s Italian community and his family was upset at the portrayal of him as a “bad guy”.

“Respect, that’s what he was all about,” they said.

“I just rack my brain every day thinking, who and for what reason (was he murdered).

“He was just a person who wanted to help everybody.”

Those who knew Mr Latorre, including a figure well-connected to the underworld, said the brothers were “buffoons’’.

An Italian woman with knowledge of the feud called for the brothers to return to Calabria.

“They’re finished in Melbourne,’’ she said via an intermediary.

“They should just go home.

“When we first got to know them we thought (name redacted) was just a big spending show off with a tacky wife.’’

Mourners after John Latorre’s funeral. Picture: NewsWire

Another associate of Mr Latorre said the brothers lacked respect.

“They were given every opportunity when they came here,’’ he said.

“John was very generous to them.’’

Underworld sources say tension between the brothers and Mr Latorre was over an attempt to infiltrate his business, which he rejected.

It is not known if Victoria Police have made any breakthroughs in its investigation into Mr Latorre’s killing.

Police were investigating whether the gunman, or gunmen, used a motorcycle, or possibly a scooter, to escape the scene.

Mr Latorre’s fruit and vegetable stand at the market, which was once owned by slain Melbourne mafia boss Frank Benvenuto, is being run by his brother-in-law, Mr Grillo and his family.

Mr Grillo bought into the Latorre business in the early 2000s and the two families have grown it together.

Mr Grillo’s wife, Gina, is the sister of Mr Latorre’s wife, Maria.

Victoria Police said its investigation was ongoing.

“Homicide Squad detectives are continuing to investigate the fatal shooting of a man in Greenvale last year,’’ the statement said.

Originally published as Suspected mafia figure John Latorre ‘targeted hit’ followed confrontation with extended family members