Homicide squad detectives reveal gruesome details of night Jason Filippi was gunned down at Burnside Heights

Homicide squad detectives have unearthed a new lead in the Burnside Heights murder of Wallan man Jason Filippi.

Homicide squad detectives believe Jason Filippi was murdered by his associates, who fired a hail of bullets at him from a Ford Ranger in a suburban housing estate last year.

Police on Thursday released fresh details of the Wallan man’s gruesome killing as they appeal for the public’s assistance to find at least two associates in the Ford.

Mr Filippi, 34, and his mate were driving in a white Suzuki Swift around Burnside Heights, near St Albans, before they “converged” with the dark grey ute near Connor Drive and Remington St.

Wallan man Jason Filippi was shot at Burnside Heights. Picture: Victoria Police

Police on the night the Wallan man was shot. Picture: Facebook

Detectives on Thursday revealed Mr Filippi’s associates, who he had planned to meet that night, were likely the ones who fired the fatal shots.

The driver of the Ranger began to chase Mr Filippi and his mate through the suburb for a number of minutes before the offenders pumped a number of bullets into the Swift about 9.10pm on August 2.

“A firearm was subsequently used and possibly fired from the Ford into the Suzuki, resulting in Jason being fatally shot,” police said in a statement.

The Ranger took off along Taylors Rd towards the Kings Park area while the Swift was driven to Tenterfield Drive in Burnside Heights.

Mr Filippi’s mate waved down a member of the public and told him to call police and paramedics before ditching his deceased friend.

The Ford Ranger in question. Picture: Victoria Police.

Anyone who recognises the vehicle is urged to come forward.

Police door knock residents in the area around Tenterfield Drive after Mr Filippi’s murder. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

A Burnside Heights property near where he was found dead. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Mr Filippi, who has an extensive criminal history himself, was left for dead in the passenger seat of the Swift, which had several bullet holes throughout.

Footage of the Ford Ranger in question was released on Thursday with the hopes anyone may recognise who it belongs to.

A 24-year-old Sunshine West man was arrested and released pending further enquiries this week.

He was not an occupant of either vehicle in question.

Homicide Squad Detective Inspector Dean Thomas said his members had worked tirelessly to uncover why Mr Filippi was killed in the targeted attack last August.

“We do believe he was targeted, however it’s still unclear as to who was involved and why,” he said.

“At this time we don’t know how many people may have been in the vehicle; what we do know is that someone out there in the community has the answers.

“For the past six months, Jason’s grieving family have had to deal with only knowing the how — not the who or the why.

“We’re hoping that this appeal leads to someone coming forward and doing the right thing.

“And we can hold those responsible for Jason’s death to account.”

Police are still keen to speak with anyone who still has CCTV or dashcam footage from that night.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.