Police reveal new lead after Aymon Fatho’s fatal shooting in Taylors Hill

The luxury car in which a Craigieburn man was shot and killed was one of dozens stolen from a car yard that day.

The BMW in which a man was fatally shot in Taylors Hill on Sunday had been stolen from a Mulgrave car yard that day.

More than two dozen cars were stolen from the Capital S.M.A.R.T repair shop on Dunlop Rd on Sunday morning, detectives from the Monash Crime Investigation Unit revealed on Wednesday.

It is understood the alleged offenders rammed a garage door about 7am before stealing a safe of keys.

It is understood they then fled the scene in the stolen vehicles.

A total of 28 cars were stolen during the burglary, including the dark-coloured BMW in which Craigieburn man Aymon Fatho was shot about 16 hours later.

“Detectives are investigating the circumstances and are keen to speak to any witnesses,” a police statement said.

A bullet hole in the windshield of the BMW in which Mr Fatho was found dead. Picture: Luis Enrique Ascui

The Mulgrave smash repair shop remained closed on Wednesday after being left damaged by the Sunday stealing spree.

A spokeswoman for Capital SMART confirmed the company was working with police to determine how so many cars were taken in a single burglary.

It remains unclear how many alleged offenders were involved in the 28-vehicle heist and how many of them were connected to the Craigieburn shooting on the same day.

“Thankfully, no team members or customers were involved or injured, however, the facility has sustained some damage and operations have been suspended,” a spokeswoman said.

“We are currently working with police regarding impacted equipment and vehicles.

“We can confirm that customer vehicles have been impacted but are not liberty to provide further detail at this stage.”

It comes after friends of Mr Fatho expressed feeling “shattered” over his death, as a man handed himself in to homicide detectives on Tuesday.

Mr Fatho, 31, was fatally shot in Taylors Hill on Sunday night after an altercation with another two men escalated to gunfire. 

Aymon Fatho was fatally shot in Taylors Hill. Picture: Supplied

A 42-year-old Caroline Springs man surrendered himself to police on Tuesday morning.

He was questioned by homicide detectives at CBD crime headquarters throughout Tuesday and was later released without charge.   

Associates of Mr Fatho, from Craigieburn, said he “lit up every room” he walked into. 

“You were the last person I thought this would ever happen to,” Brooke Brayshaw said online. 

“Everyone that knew you would say you lit up every room you walked into. In our hearts forever.” 

Mr Fatho’s longtime friend from high school, Alex Canja, told the Herald Sun his mate was “always a quiet one with a smile on his face”.

“We were always having a laugh together and making the best memories we could as kids,” Mr Canja said.

“He was not known for trouble, but rather known for having fun and having a cheeky smile on his face.”

Forensic police and homicide Squad detectives on the scene in Taylors Hill Picture: Luis Enrique Ascui

Learning of his friend’s death “shocked everyone”, Mr Canja said, and the way he had been “taken in a horrible crime” devastated the community.

“He will be missed, my heart goes out to his family at this time.

“Aymon, if there’s one thing I can say to you now, it would be: fly high and spread those wings, brother.

“Till we meet again my friend, forever in my heart - rest in peace my friend.”

Mr Fatho was found critically injured on Vaucluse Boulevard in a stolen dark-coloured BMW being driven by an associate, who phoned triple-0 before fleeing the scene. 

He and the BMW driver were confronted by two occupants of a white Mitsubishi sedan, which they had been pursuing throughout Taylors Hill. 

Victoria Police said they were “confident” of the identities of the two men who remain outstanding.

“Detectives received a significant amount of information overnight (on Monday) and are confident as to the identities of the other two men who were present at the scene of the incident,” a Victoria Police spokeswoman said. 

Friends say Aymon Fatho lit up every room. Picture: Supplied

Another friend Johnny Dafalias said he was “shattered” Mr Fatho had not survived after being shot once through the vehicle with a longarm firearm.   

“I wish (it) was not you brother,” Mr Dafalias said. 

“I’m shattered like many people would be.

“All I’m ever going to have left is hearing your voice the other day and all the memories we shared growing up. I wish we could bring you back and start all over again. 

“I love you brother. You will never be forgotten from my heart.”

Mr Fatho’s social media shows a love of designer clothing including items from major fashion houses Fendi and Givenchy.

The investigation is ongoing.