Detectives arrest two men as investigation continues into drive-by shooting that killed 65-year-old woman in Ambarvale
Two men who were known to police have been charged with murder and refused bail over the fatal drive-by shooting death of a 65-year-old grandmother, as a third suspect remains on the run.
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Two men who were known to police have been charged with murder and refused bail over the fatal drive-by shooting death of a 65-year-old grandmother, as a third suspect remains on the run.
Police allege Manase Fakahau, 19 and Jesse Evans, 34, arrived at Kim Duncan’s home at Dickens Rd, Ambarvale – in Sydney’s southwest – about 11pm on April 14 before shots were fired into the house.
Ms Duncan’s 34-year-old son and a 21-year-old woman were inside at the time.
They were uninjured in the incident, however Ms Duncan was shot in the leg and died from her injuries at the scene.
Mr Evans and Mr Fakahau had their case heard at Bankstown Local Court on Wednesday.
Their solicitor Sarah Blake sought for the accused’s names and family’s addresses to be suppressed from media reporting.
Ms Blake argued the allegations are “very serious” in nature, and any media reporting would put the “young men who are already going into a custodial environment” and their families at potential risk.
“At this early stage we don’t know the possible level of threat against these persons and their safety,” she told the court.
An interim suppression order was made in part to prevent reporting of the home addresses of the families involved, however, the application to have the accused names suppressed was denied in the interests of public interest and open justice.
The matter was adjourned until September 10, and no application for the bail of either defendant was made.
Detective Superintendent Grant Healey said police believed the Sydney grandmother was not the intended target of the shooting.
“It was the person that resided at the house she was shot at, and we believe the people that were involved had a grudge, an argument, or a beef with somebody who lived in that location.”
He added the family was “very, very upset” at the loss of Ms Duncan and the nature of the attack.
“It’s tragic … your mother and grandmother to your children has been shot by cowards that stood out the front of the house,” Supt Healey said.
“Somebody coming up to a house and putting shots off is totally reckless, and the consequences are catastrophic.
“We have a 65-year-old grandmother that’s been shot in the leg by people that walked up and shot at her house.”
Detectives launched Strike Force Apslawn at the time of the incident, with support from the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad, before charging the two men.
Police said they are ”closing in” on a third man who they allege played a part in the shooting.
“That outstanding person, we encourage you to come and speak to the police,” Supt Healey said.
Anyone with information that could assist Strike Force Apslawn detectives is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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