‘Turn yourself in’: Family’s heartbreak over Omega Ruston’s brutal road rage slaying

For 13 long years the family of Gold Coast dad Omega Ruston have been hoping to discover the truth behind his horror Australia Day death.

It’s Australia’s national day – but for the family of Gold Coast man Omega Ruston, there will be no celebration.

Australia Day next Wednesday will mark another anniversary of Omega’s death in a brutal road rage slaying, and another year that the young dad’s killers have not been brought to justice.

Omega was shot dead opposite McDonald’s Burleigh Heads on Australia Day 2009 after a confrontation with a carload of men who police believe were linked to organised crime syndicates and bikie gangs.

Omega Ruston was killed in a brutal road rage slaying on Australia Day in 2009.

The 32-year-old father-of-two and tradie was leaving Australia Day celebrations at North Burleigh around 10pm when an apparently minor traffic incident escalated into a lethal confrontation.

His ute, patriotically flying Aussie flags, was apparently cut off by a small maroon sedan with three men – described by police at the time as being of Middle Eastern appearance – inside.

Tempers flared and when the two vehicles pulled up outside a Gold Coast Highway bus stop just south of the Maccas restaurant, a black semiautomatic pistol was produced and Mr Ruston was shot in the stomach.

He died at the scene, despite attempts by the two friends with him to save him.

Police examine the road after Omega Ruston was fatally shot on the Gold Coast Highway at Burleigh Heads.

The 13-year-old murder mystery remains one of Queensland’s longest-running cold cases.

In March last year, police appeared to be moving closer to an arrest when they launched an extensive search of the Parramatta River for the gun believed to have been used.

It came after new witnesses and DNA evidence were revealed during renewed inquiries by the Homicide Cold Case Investigation team and Gold Coast detectives.

“We still believe the persons directly involved in the shooting death of Omega were linked to the Gold Coast and Sydney chapters of organised crime syndicates and outlaw motorcycle gangs,” Gold Coast CIB boss Detective Inspector Chris Ahearn said at the time.

“We are aware that relationships and loyalties in these gangs change, we are hopeful that the reward will encourage those people with information to come forward.”

Police on scene after the Omega Ruston shooting on the Gold Coast Highway at Burleigh Heads.

The State Government also posted a $250,000 reward for information and Mr Ruston’s family made an emotional public plea for help to solve the crime.

“If you’re remaining silent due to some sense of allegiance or loyalty please know that the man you’re protecting is a coward,” a tearful Nick Ruston, Omega’s brother, told a media conference.

“To the man that shot Omega: The opportunity to right your wrongs does not come around often,” he said.

“Your actions have taken the life of an innocent man who wanted nothing more than to return home to his family after a day of celebrations.

“My brother will not grow old, but you will grow old ¬ forever as a coward. Do the right thing and turn yourself in before it’s too late.”

Police this week said the investigation remained ongoing.

Originally published as ‘Turn yourself in’: Family’s heartbreak over Omega Ruston’s brutal road rage slaying