Police search for gunman after fatal shooting in Lalor on Saturday night

The father of a young man killed in a brazen shooting said his son was “sitting back watching TV” when a group of youths tried to break into their home. Adrian Pacione, 20, was killed when shots were fired in the bungled home invasion.

Police are searching for a killer gunman after a shooting in Lalor. Picture: File

The father of a young man killed in a brazen shooting says his son was “sitting back watching TV” when a bungled home invasion turned fatal.

Adrian Pacione, 20, was killed on Saturday in the violent incident at 10.40pm in Ella Court, Lalor in Melbourne’s north.

His father Paul said his son was relaxing when a group of youths tried to break into the house before firing shots.

“(He was) sitting back just watching TV when a group of youths tried to break in,” Mr Pacione said.

Adrian Pacione, 20, was shot dead in Lalor. Pictured with his family on a GoFundMe page to raise funds for his funeral.

“The attempt of the break in was unsuccessful, they fired shots through the window and hit him.”

Mr Pacione said his son was taken to hospital and put on life support but declared brain dead.

“He was in the wrong place at the wrong time,” he said.

“He will be sadly missed. Adrian you will not be forgotten.”

It is believed the parties were known to each another but the motive behind the attack is not clear.

Adrian’s sister Emily said her brother was “now at peace” but her family wanted “justice” to be served.

Adrian Pacione, 20, (left) was shot dead in Lalor on Saturday night. He is pictured with his sister Emily. Picture: Facebook

“We said our final goodbye at the hospital,” she said.

“We love you our dear Adrian. You’re going to be with us forever.

“We will get justice for you my brother.

“Whoever did this to you is going to pay.

“I’m in shock, I have no words.

“Three evil men with guns shot him in the head for no reason.”

The armed crime squad and the homicide squad are investigating, and the gunman is still on the run.

“A firearm was discharged by an unknown suspect and a male victim received an injury to the upper body,” police spokeswoman Belinda Batty said.

“The suspect fled the scene and the victim received a life-threatening injury and was conveyed to hospital.”

The circumstances surrounding the incident are yet to be established.

Anyone who witnessed the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au.

MORE NEWS:

SHOCKING NUMBER OF OUTBREAKS LINKED TO WORKPLACES

HOW TO TELL IF YOU’RE A FINANCIAL ABUSE VICTIM

REVEALED: MELBOURNE’S MOST WANTED CROOKS