Innocent Zabi Ezedyar may have been wrong target in ‘mistaken identity’ bikie murder
A MAN who was gunned down in Melbourne’s southeast could have been killed by mistake in a botched bikie hit.
Law & Order
Don't miss out on the headlines from Law & Order. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A MAN gunned down in Melbourne’s southeast may have been the victim of a second botched hit within months involving the Comanchero bikie gang.
Homicide squad detectives think Zabi Ezedyar, 26, could have been killed by mistake while visiting the Narre Warren home of Mohammad “Afghan Ali” Keshtiar, linked to the rival Mongols gang.
POLICE, FAMILY OF ZABI EZEDYAR APPEAL FOR HELP TO SOLVE MURDER
MOHAMMAD KESHTIAR COULD HAVE BEEN GUNMAN’S INTENDED TARGET
KEYSBOROUGH DRIVE-BY MURDER: THE MAN BIKIES MEANT TO SHOOT
While not ruling out other possibilities, police believe the “mistaken identity” theory is credible. The shooting, at 7.40pm on August 16 last year, followed the May 2 killing of Muhammed Yucel, 22, in Keysborough.
In that case, police believe the gunmen meant to kill a former Mongols bikie who lived in a similar house in the same street.
Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Paul Topham, of the Echo taskforce, refused to give details about the Narre Warren shooting on Wednesday, but said: “In general terms, in my experience in investigating outlaw motorcycle gangs, if a criminal offence of a serious nature was to be committed it would most likely be authorised by the higher-ranking members of a club.
“That will then be tasked down to a lower-level member or members to actually commit the offence.”
Detectives have released CCTV footage showing a Honda CRV trailing Mr Ezedyar’s car before the shooting, then speeding from the scene.
Detective Inspector Tim Day of the homicide squad said: “Only a few weeks ago I spoke of the death of Muhammed Yucel which related to outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG) activity.
“For this investigation we’re looking into the possibility again of OMCG activity, particularly the Comanchero and other gangs. There’s nothing in Zabi’s background that would indicate he would be a likely target.”
Mr Ezedyar’s sister Deana said her family was left devastated by his murder.
“It has destroyed all of us,” she said. “He loved his family, he was very family-orientated. He had a heart of gold, a very friendly and kind person.”
Police are probing whether a white late-model Toyota Corolla is also linked to the murder of Mr Ezedyar.
They are keen to speak to anyone who saw such a Toyota, or the Honda, in the area on or near August 16 last year.
Det Insp Day said the vehicles may hold the key. “We’re very keen to know why the Honda CRV was in the area at the time and whether it is linked to those responsible for Zabi’s death,” he said.
Comanchero national president Mick Murray, currently behind bars, has stated his aim is to make his gang the most powerful in Australia.