Rodney John Lee pleads guilty to Mordialloc double murder

A 73-year-old man who fired shots into his neighbours unit, killing two people, following a dispute has admitted to the crime.

A 73-year-old man has pleaded guilty over the double murder of his two neighbours in Mordialloc. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

A 73-year-old man fired a shotgun into his neighbour’s unit, killing two people, following a dispute at the Mordialloc complex.

Rodney John Lee appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday where he pleaded guilty to two counts of murder.

Other charges of conduct endangering life and threatening to assault police were withdrawn.

Beloved grandfather Saumotu Gasio, 62, and another 72-year-old resident at the McDonald St residential building were killed in the rampage on January 13 last year.

Police said Lee had been in a neighbourly dispute, but the details of what that was about have not been aired.

When officers arrived at the property they were confronted by an armed Lee, who retreated into his home after a police member fired a shot at him.

He surrendered to police soon after and the weapon was seized.

An earlier court heard Lee made “full and frank” admissions when interviewed by police.

Tributes flowed for Mr Gasio at the time, with loved ones describing him as a “legend” with a “beautiful soul”.

“Life is short, if you love someone make sure to tell them every day because you don’t know if it’s going to be the last time you get to,” Mr Gasio’s son Rasta said.

His niece, Jullyn Gasio Sialaoa, said she would miss his “contagious smile and presence”.

Lee is expected to face the rest of his life in jail over the double killings.

A pre-sentencing hearing will be heard in the Supreme Court later this year.