Homeowner reveals strange twist about Cranbourne property where a man was shot dead

The owner of the Cranbourne home linked to Wednesday’s fatal shooting has revealed what other alleged illegal activity was taking place at the property.

A man armed with a shovel was allegedly shot dead by a man known to him inside a Cranbourne home on Wednesday, after an altercation hours earlier.

Homicide squad detectives are investigating after emergency services were called to Lecky St at 8pm to reports of multiple gunshots. 

When police arrived, a man was found dead on the street near Cranbourne Secondary College.

A 49-year-old man, who lived at the home, was arrested at the scene.

The man was interviewed by police and released pending further enquiries.

Homicide Squad Detective Inspector Dean Thomas said a verbal altercation took place at the property earlier in the day.

“We do believe two males attended the address several hours prior to this incident and obviously a male returned,” he said.

Police at the scene of a fatal shooting in Cranbourne. Picture: David Crosling

Lecky St has been cordoned off after the incident. Picture: Ian Currie

Insp Thomas said the force was examining a black SUV and a shovel.

“We certainly believe at this point the male may have been armed with a shovel,” he said.

He said other occupants of the property were spoken to and were assisting with the investigation.

The homeowner said he believed his property had been illegally sublet in the past year, without his knowledge.

“I leased it out to a young couple 12 months ago,” homeowner Michael Robinson said.

“Now I hear they are separated and the gentleman is in jail and there are complete strangers living on my property.

“I was told by the neighbours that the police raided the house a few weeks ago, I had no idea.

“I have not been inside the property and I do not plan on going inside anytime soon, because of what happened. I am scared of what I will find inside.”

A ute is towed from the house involved in the shooting. Picture: Ian Currie

Police are also collecting evidence from a black SUV. Picture: Ian Currie

One neighbour said she had seen police at the home at least four times in the past month.

“We went out to dinner and when (we) came home, there was a body on the road which was closed off,” the neighbour said.

Another neighbour said she “jumped up from the dining table” after hearing gunshots.

A visibly distressed resident of the house was seen screaming at police on Thursday morning.

The shooting is not believed to be linked to organised crime groups or recent shootings in Melbourne.

The victim was shot dead in the street on Wednesday night. Picture: David Crosling

A forensic officer collects evidence at the scene. Picture: David Crosling

Police say the death is unlikely to be linked to recent shootings. Picture: David Crosling

“Victoria Police is very concerned when firearms are used in the commission of any crime, particular violent crimes like we have seen,” Insp Thomas said.

“I can assure the community we are working very hard in relation to those matters in the northwestern suburbs … to the bottom and identify the persons responsible and hold them to account so they can be bought before the court.”

The investigation is continuing.