Hip-hop artist revealed as Narre Warren South shooting victim
The 25-year-old shot in the head as he sat in his car on a quiet suburban street has been revealed as a prolific Australian hip-hop artist, with his friends saying the violence came as a “massive shock”.
Police & Courts
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A gunman remains at the centre of a major police operation two days after a talented hip-hop artist was blasted as he sat in his car.
Kevin Passanise, 25, – who performs under the name Kognacc – suffered horrific injuries when the shooter struck in the driveway of a Narre Warren South home.
Mr Passanise, who had been sitting in his parked Audi, is fighting for life with severe head wounds after the incident in Shrives Rd at 5am on Saturday.
The brutal attack came as a “massive shock” to his friends, who cannot understand why anyone would want to hurt him.
Shawn Lee told the Herald Sun he was a good friend who led a positive life.
“This was not expected in any way shape or form,” she said.
“I can’t see any way he could have done something to warrant someone to try and take his life.
“He’s not a crappy person.”
Mr Passanise is a prolific rap artist who grew up in Melbourne’s south eastern suburbs.
He moved to Sydney to pursue a career as a junior soccer coach and currently works at Illawarra Football Academy.
“He is all about trying to help kids be as best they could be,” said Ms Lee.
“He is a very positive person … he is very open minded and smart.”
Mr Passanise drove from Sydney to Melbourne days before the shooting.
His friends became concerned for his welfare when he failed to show to a prearranged catch up with a mate on Saturday.
“It was completely out of character. We were all panicking and everyone was trying to call him,” said Ms Lee.
She said he was “happy” and showed no concerns for his safety the last time they spoke.
Mr Passanise has undergone surgery and remains in a critical condition at the Alfred hospital.
Armed crime squad detectives are still working to establish a motive for the shooting but believe key information could be held by motorists in the area at the time.
Although it was still dark at the time, they said others drivers were in the vicinity at the time of the gunfire and may be able to help.
It is not clear whether investigators have been able to establish the identity of the shooter.
Mr Passanise’s mother Graciela Santomil has been left devastated by the attack on her son.
“He is struggling now. We don’t know what will happen with Kevin,” she said.
Police are calling on witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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