Rapper was shot dead in targeted attack, police say

The grieving dad of a rap artist killed in Melbourne’s west has spoken of his pain as police hunt the “callous miscreant” responsible for the shooting.

The father of a rap artist who was shot dead in Sunshine North says he feels “broken” over the senseless killing.

Belthrand Habiyakare said he was desperate for answers over the death of his 24-year-old son, Chris Habiyakare, in August.

“I am a Christian, therefore inclined to forgive but I can only forgive once I know the whole truth,” he said.

“Whoever did it, come forward and say why you did it. I can’t even sleep, I’m always on the lookout because I don’t know who did it. It means I am constantly wondering if they are coming for my other sons and it is very heavy.”

Shooting victim Christopher Habiyakare. Picture: Supplied

He said it was the first time in his life he had felt defeated.

“This event has broken me down into small pieces, I am not sure how I am going to pick them all up,” he said.

“When I try and reconstruct myself, I see my other children crying or depressed and it brings back everything.”

Mr Habiyakare said Chris, who was born in a Tanzanian refugee camp, had been a huge support to him and had helped to raise his younger siblings.

“He has been the joy of my life for a long time,” he said.

“He has been a very big help for me.”

Police believe the terrifying home invasion, in which Chris Habiyakare was shot, was targeted.

Mr Habiyakare, who performed under the name LYR1CURE7, was in his Essex St home with two male and three female friends on August 24 when there was a knock on the door about 8.30pm.

Police said Mr Habiyakare answered the door to a group of men armed with weapons, including a gun, who forced their way in. One female guest smashed through a window as the visitors scrambled from the property.

A man police are seeking over the death of Chris Habiyakare., Picture: Victoria Police

A man police are seeking over the death of Chris Habiyakare. Picture: Victoria Police

There was a fight before Mr Habiyakare was shot and the intruders fled.

One of Mr Habiyakare’s male friends returned minutes later and called triple-0 before performing CPR on the wounded man, who could not be saved.

Police say they were called to the property on August 21 over reports of fighting and there may be a link to the fatal events three days later.

“This is only one, but a very important, line of inquiry for police,” homicide squad detective Inspector Tim Day said.

Detectives have released images of two men they are looking for.

They also want to hear from anyone with CCTV footage from the area in the hours between 5pm and 10pm on the day of Mr Habiyakare’s death, or anyone who travelled through the area and has dashcam footage.

Insp. Day said detectives had put together a significant investigation which had led to the face images being released.

He said there were people who could identify the faces because they knew them, had information on who was involved or why the incident happened.

“It’s time for those people to do the right thing and come forward,” he said.

“At this time, we have a group of people out there who we believe are still in

possession of the firearm.”

Insp. Day said Mr Habiyakare was known to police and had a history of drug use but this did not make accepting things any easier for those left behind.

“He was also much loved by his family and friends, all of whom are still

grieving his loss and searching for answers as to why this has occurred,” he said.

Insp. Day said it was essential police found the motive behind the shooting in order to solve the case.

“Chris’ death was a senseless act of violence by some callous miscreant intent on doing harm to him over a debt or some other issue,” Insp Day said.

“Chris was a much loved member of his family, much loved by his friends. They used a firearm on a defenceless human being. Why is the key.”

Insp. Day said it was important to hold those responsible to account.

“For those people that know, now is the time to come forward,” he said.

“People won’t keep the crime to themselves, they will talk to somebody about it.”

Mr Habiyakare, who performed rap and hip hop under the name LYR1CURE7, was described by family as a “down to earth” and “ambitious” young man who cared deeply for those around him.

“Christopher was a brother, a friend, and a piece of me,” brother Edmund Habinganji said in an online tribute in the aftermath of the tragedy.

“He was a loving, caring, generous soul and so much more.

“He never failed to remind me that everyone has a place on earth. We have endured a huge loss, but we believe heaven has gained a beautiful soul.”

Christopher’s father Belthrand Habiyakare said it had been the “darkest” time in his life.

“There is not a single moment in my wildest dreams that I thought my eldest son would be tragically taken away from the very family to which he had vowed to dedicate himself,” he said.

He added that his son’s murder was the “bitterest medicine” he had been forced to swallow.

Anyone with footage or information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.