Gangland murder breakthrough as detectives hunt for Willie Thompson hitman
Detectives are zeroing in on a suspect in the slaying of gangland figure Willie Thompson — a lifelong friend of Tony Mokbel who was connected with a who’s who of Melbourne’s crime fraternity — at Chadstone 15 years ago, releasing a police image of the man.
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Detectives have zeroed in on a suspect in the cold-blooded slaying of gangland figure Willie Thompson 15 years ago during Melbourne’s bloody underworld war.
The Herald Sun can reveal a police image of a man suspected of being one of two assassins who shot Thompson from either side as he sat, trapped, in his convertible at Chadstone on July 21, 2003.
It was one of the more significant gangland war killings. A witness told police it was organised by late crime boss Carl Williams, possibly because of competing drug dealing interests.
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The witness said as payback for his mate’s death, crime lord Tony Mokbel put a contract out on drug dealer Michael Marshall.
Williams also organised Marshall’s slaying, Mokbel being unaware of his role in orchestrating the Thompson hit.
Williams engaged at least four triggermen during his reign over Melbourne’s underworld. It is not known whether any of them were involved, or whether a fresh crew was assembled for the Chadstone hit.
The late Andrew Veniamin, a prolific gangland war assassin, was once linked to the crime, but police do not believe he played a part.
A witness told police the suspect pictured resembled a contestant from reality TV show Big Brother;the show’s third season was screening in 2003, the year in which much of the gangland carnage unfolded. No one from Big Brother is suspected.
Police believe at least three people were part of the Thompson ambush.
Two were in a maroon 1996 Ford Falcon that sped from a Red Rooster car park and trapped Thompson in his vehicle. Another may have been in a white van used to box in the convertible from the rear.
The Herald Sun can reveal that in the past year detectives on the Thompson investigation have travelled to Western Australia, and have spoken to people who were connected with the high-level drug dealer just before he was murdered.
Among Thompson’s many connections were Mokbel, Nik Radev, Williams, and a powerful group of organised crime figures linked to big armed robberies and murders.
Acting Inspector Gerry McKenna said it was clear the Thompson case was solvable.
“Obviously, circumstances can change, so people who did not feel comfortable speaking to police at the time may now be in a position to do so, and this is why we are making this appeal for information,” Det. Insp. McKenna said.
A reward of up to $1 million is available to anyone able to help solve the murder.
And the Director of Public Prosecutions would be able to consider granting indemnity from prosecution to anyone who is able to help catch the principal offenders.
Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers on 1300 333 000 or visit the website crimestoppersvic.com.au
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It was only in death that Willie Thompson’s status in Melbourne’s underworld became clear.
There were no flashy court appearances or outlandish statements in the media from Thompson, who died with no public profile apart from a brief part in a low-budget film. But the 39-year-old’s connections made it clear he played first grade.
The low-key Thompson was mates with or had done business with a who’s who of Melbourne’s crime fraternity.
Drug boss and old schoolmate Tony Mokbel was a lifelong friend of the accomplished kickboxer.
Mokbel was said to have been so angered by the murder of Thompson he paid $300,000 for a hit on Michael Marshall, wrongly believing he was to blame for his pal’s demise. Thompson also knew Carl Williams but there are indications issues of “market share” may have caused some, possibly fatal, turbulence between them,
Other associates had included the likes of Nik Radev and Jason Moran.
He was also tight with a group of experienced criminals investigated for decades by authorities over murders and big stick-ups.
Thompson was ostensibly a lollipop salesman but, in reality, drug dealing was his go and probably brought about his death. At the time of his murder, Thompson had strong connections in Western Australia and, his inquest was later told, was under investigation for trafficking in another jurisdiction.
Ultimately, his powerful links meant nothing on the night of July 21, 2003.
The powerfully built fitness fanatic had just left the Extreme Jiu Jitsu and Grappling gym at Chadstone when a hit team of three men in two cars made their move.
When Thompson climbed into his $80,000 convertible, a Ford Falcon raced out of a Red Rooster carpark opposite and hemmed him in.
One man climbed out and, from the driver’s side, opened fire with a shotgun while his accomplice moved to the passenger’s side and started emptying a pistol. Thompson died at the scene, and his Falcon was later found torched in Port Melbourne.
It’s 15 years since that night, but investigators from the Purana taskforce remain confident the case can be solved. They believe loyalties can be tested over such a long time, ties that could be further loosened by a $1 million reward.
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