Alleged gunman charged over shooting death of Sydney tradesman John Versace in suspected mistaken identity case

After months of investigation, police have charged a man over the deadly shooting of a Sydney plumber in what is believed to be a case of mistaken identity.

Police have charged the alleged gunman accused of fatally shooting Sydney tradesman John Versace, who is believed to have been the victim of a case of mistaken identity.

Blaze Collins, 21, appeared in Burwood Local Court on Tuesday just hours after he was charged with the murder of Mr Versace.

Mr Versace, 23, was ambushed and shot multiple times in the driveway of his Condell Park park home on May 19, as his parents and sisters were inside.

Despite the efforts of NSW Ambulance paramedics, Mr Versace could not be revived and died at the scene.

NSW Police on Tuesday charged Mr Collins with murder following his arrest at Silverwater about 9am.

Police will allege the man was the gunman in the shooting.

Taskforce Falcon Commander Superintendent Jason Box said Mr Collins was alleged to have driven to Mr Versace’s home in a vehicle with a co-accused, confronted him in the driveway, and fired multiple fatal shots.

“The 21-year-old has then returned to the vehicle, and was driven from the scene by a co-accused,” Superintendent Box said.

“All three persons (allegedly) involved in the planning and execution of this murder have now been charged.”

The charge comes just five days after two other men - a 43-year-old man and 19-year-old Ahmad Naji - were charged over their alleged roles in the killing.

Two other men charged last week remain before the courts over their alleged roles in the killing. Picture: NSW Police

Police allege those men were involved in moving and driving vehicles used during the attack. Both remain before the courts.

Mr Versace’s death sparked an extensive investigation under Strike Force Harkstede, which was later absorbed into Taskforce Falcon as part of a major crackdown on violent crime across Sydney.

Superintendent Box praised the work of investigators, saying they had “worked tirelessly” over six months to identify and charge the three people they suspect are responsible for the alleged murder.

“I know there is still a long way to go in this judicial process, but I’m confident that if they apply the same dedication and tenacity, they will secure convictions of all three,” he said.

Chilling CCTV footage released in the days after the attack showed a figure dressed in black exiting a silver Toyota SUV and approaching Mr Versace as he got out of his ute.

A man could be heard yelling “Hey, hey, hey … stop, stop,” before multiple gunshots rang out.

Moments later, the gunman ran back to the waiting SUV, which fled the scene.

Police later found a torched vehicle in Fairfield East, along with a “Glock-style” firearm inside.

The funeral for Mr Versace who was killed in a targeted gangland shooting which police believe was a case of mistaken identity. Picture: NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

Investigators say Mr Versace had no links to organised crime, describing him as an innocent tradesman who worked for his father’s plumbing business.

“There is nothing at all to suggest that Mr Versace was anything but a hard-working young man living at home with his family,” Superintendent Box said.

“He was much loved and trying to set himself up for the rest of his life. Nothing at all to suggest any links to any criminal entities.”

Authorities are continuing to investigate whether any other people were involved in the killing or the events surrounding it.

Mr Collins on Tuesday afternoon appeared in Burwood Local Court where he did not apply for bail.

He is scheduled to next appear in court on January 21.