Self defence a key question posed in fatal Donnybrook home invasion

No charges have yet been laid after a deadly home invasion in which a man was killed when a group stormed a Donnybrook house — but the result of the probe may come down to a question of self-defence.

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

The result of a deadly Donnybrook home invasion may come down to a question of self-defence.

No charges have yet been laid over the killing in Middlemount St on January 7, though the identity of the person who fired the fatal shot is allegedly known to police.

A group of men stormed the house and confronted two residents, a 28-year-old man with alleged organised crime links and a woman, 27.

Two men – both believed to be among the intruders – were shot.

One of them was critically injured and died at the scene while the other later presented himself to the Northern Hospital.

The origin of the firearm and whether the trigger was pulled in self-defence are key elements of the inquiry.

The origin of the firearm and whether the trigger was pulled in self-defence are key elements of the inquiry. Picture: David Crosling

A bullet lies on the footpath outside the Donnybrook home. Picture: David Crosling

The Herald Sun understands determining whether the weapon was brought by the intruders or already at the house will be crucial to what charges, if any, are laid.

The woman who was at the house with the shooter was confronted with a machete moments after the intruders arrived.

It was reported at the time that she had not been cooperating with investigators.

She was later found injured at Doreen, the same suburb where police also recovered a gun.

Alleged links recently emerged between an accused gangland figure and the raiding party in the aftermath of the events at Donnybrook.

The smashed front window of the Donnybrook home. Picture: David Crosling

Determining whether the weapon was brought by the intruders or already at the house will be crucial to what charges, if any, are laid. Picture: David Crosling

Police told Melbourne Magistrates’ Court that those involved called Majid Alibadi – an alleged lieutenant of gangland boss Kazem Hamad – in the wake of what had happened.

Detective Senior-Constable Matthew Lindsay said the home invaders contacted Alibadi who then spoke to Hamad about what to do with two cars they had used.

“Our friends say to burn them,” was the message allegedly relayed.

Senior-Constable Lindsay is part of the Lunar taskforce, which was set up last year to respond to the widespread Melbourne illicit tobacco warfare.

Police told Melbourne Magistrates’ Court that those involved called Majid Alibadi.

Gangland boss Kazem Hamad. Picture: Supplied

That conflict is suspected of being instigated by the violent market intervention of Hamad, who is living in Iraq after being deported from Australia after serving a prison sentence for heroin trafficking.

Alibadi is accused of orchestrating tobacco shop firebombings for Hamad.

One man has already been charged after the events of that night but he is not the shooter.

Ali Saleh, 23, of Collingwood was allegedly one of the intruders and faces counts of aggravated home invasion, aggravated burglary, assault with a weapon, reckless conduct endangering life, possession of methylamphetamine, possessing a drug of dependence, handling stolen goods and driving while disqualified.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said the investigation remained ongoing.

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