Korey Kesici killed in Mickleham midnight shooting
Police are investigating possible links between the underworld murder of Korey Kesici and George Marrogi, convicted killer and boss of the Notorious Crime Family.
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Police are investigating possible links between the underworld murder of Korey Kesici and convicted killer George Marrogi, boss of the Notorious Crime Family.
Marrogi was sent down for murder last week, days after it emerged he had allegedly ordered hits on two men from inside Barwon Prison.
The Herald Sun understands one line of inquiry for the homicide squad is the shooting of Mr Kesici, 22, in Mickleham early on Thursday is connected to the feared gang boss.
Within the hour of Mr Kesici’s murder, a cryptic message was posted by a third party on Marrogi’s Instagram account.
It said: “Take delight in the lord and he will give you the desires of your heart”.
The biblical passage was accompanied with “11:11”, the calling card of the NCF gang.
Mr Kesici had connections with the Middle Eastern organised crime world.
Investigators are working to determine who his associates were and what links they may have to the deadly underworld attack.
The brother of the murder victim, Aydin Kesici, said he was shattered by the horrific killing.
“I’m lost and broken,” he wrote online.
“This hurts and is killing me.
“I can’t sleep I have nightmares every time I shut my eyes. How could someone take away my brother from me? So much pain and tears.
“I’m missing you already.
“I love you, my brother.”
He was remembered as a “great bloke” by friends at Craigieburn Football Club.
“(He was an) amazing and talented footballer and great friend to me. You will be sadly missed, brother,” mate Andrew Simpson said.
Last week, two men – one from the same suburb of Mickleham – were arrested on conspiracy to kill fears linked to Marrogi, who police allege was running a drug empire from his prison unit.
Police received intelligence Marrogi had allegedly ordered hit men to take out two people by Sunday, April 24.
The intelligence, which was received two days earlier, was based on recorded calls between Marrogi and his girlfriend, Antonietta Mannella, which were initially disguised as conversations between the triggerman and his lawyer.
The alleged kill plots forced police to expedite a long-running investigation into Marrogi, his gang and girlfriend over allegations of massive drug importations.
Marrogi, Ms Mannella and two men were also questioned over a murder conspiracy plot but no charges were laid.
Days later Marrogi was sentenced to more than 30 years’ jail for the 2016 execution of drug rival Kadir Ors, in Campbellfield.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Mick Frewen said Mr Kesici left his home to speak to a man sitting in a BMW sedan that was parked in the street.
A short time later, he was shot multiple times by a second man.
“A silver BMW was located alight on fire in St Georges Boulevard and at this time we believe this vehicle is the same one that was connected to the fatal shooting,” Mr Frewen.
Footage has emerged of the white BMW engulfed in flames.
A local arrived home from work about midnight and soon heard a “blast” past 12.10am.
But by the time he rushed out of his home to see what had happened, he could only spot the car.
“I didn’t see anyone. I only heard the blast,” he said.
The car was left to burn for more than 10 minutes before emergency services arrived to extinguish the flames.
Mr Kesici has been remembered by grieving loved ones as a “great bloke” and friend.
Tributes are flowing to the former Craigieburn Football Club player in the wake of his brutal murder.
Footy mate Andrews Simpon described Mr Kesici as a “little brother” with great talent.
“(He was an) amazing and talented footballer and a great bloke and great friend to me,” Mr Simpson said.
“You will be sadly missed, brother.”
Forensic police could be seen photographing the burnt-out car early Thursday morning.
The front of the vehicle had completely melted with the heat of the fire.
CCTV obtained by the Herald Sun shows a white car speeding down a nearby street around 12.05am, its tyres screeching as it rounded a corner.
Mr Frewen said police were still working through the details of Mr Kesici’s death but it’s understood that it was part of an organised criminal attack.
Investigators also believe Mr Kesici had a connection to the man in the vehicle, but a motive for the shooting was yet to be established.
“It was more than a simple street exchange, people that arrived in that street, at that time, came prepared for violence,” he said.
Mr Frewen said the offenders were armed and wanted to destroy the evidence.
“We believe somehow, some way that Korey had a connection with those people in the BMW,” he said.
“We are working through what that connection may be.”
He also said the attack was confronting, violent and well-prepared.
“We are speaking with Korey’s family, obviously they are very important to us and very important to the investigation,” Mr Frewen said.
“We would be keen to hear from anyone involved … or any other person that may be able to offer information.”
Police blocked off Bangalore Way from both ends as they scoured the suburban street.
Grieving family members could be seen consoling each other in long embraces, cries ringing out in the quiet street.
Neighbour Ali Haouchar said he heard gunshots from inside his home, went outside and saw Mr Kesici bleeding on the ground.
“It was all horrific,” he said.
“Very distressing.”
Mr Haouchar said he met Mr Kesici three years ago when he moved to the street.
He described his neighbour as a “good guy” who was always friendly.
“He was a gentleman, always said hello and always good to chat with,” Mr Haouchar said.
Another neighbour, Manu Singh, said he heard five gunshots fired in quick succession before the sound of screeching tyres.
“My friend ran outside to see what was happening but by the time he came out, the car was gone and there was a body,” Mr Singh.
“The body was on the road … that’s where he died.”
Mr Singh said his friend was apprehensive to approach the dying man, because he was unsure if the only other person who had come out onto the street was the armed offender.
“He got scared. He’s just 20 years old.”
“It’s usually very safe here in Mickleham … but I guess it happens in every suburb,” he added.
Police are appealing to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident, as well as anyone in the area between 11pm on Wednesday and 1am on Thursday who may have dashcam or CCTV footage of the silver BMW or the males involved.
Detectives are also eager to speak to anyone who saw the silver BMW prior to the incident.
Anyone who can provide information on associates or any motivation for the shooting is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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