By Nino Bucci
- Police warned over Mafia-linked gang
- Mafia lawyer gunned down in East Brunswick
- Portrait of a gangland lawyer as a young man
Purana taskforce detectives have joined the investigation into the murder of Joseph "Pino" Acquaro, as police confirmed the exact time the business owner and lawyer with Calabrian Mafia links was gunned down.
The Purana detectives, specialists in Melbourne gangland criminals, will join the homicide squad in the investigation into the shooting on Tuesday morning in Brunswick East.
Mr Acquaro was shot dead while walking from his Lygon Street business, Gelobar, to his black Mercedes sedan, which was parked near a side entrance to the cafe and gelataria in St Phillip Street.
Detectives have determined he was shot at 12.55am, about 15 minutes later than they had earlier suspected.
Forensic testing is continuing on the Mercedes and items at the scene.
Joseph 'Pino' Acquaro at Parkville's Reggio Calabria Club in January this year.Credit: Paul Rovere
"Investigators are following up extensive avenues of inquiry in relation to the murder and continue to canvass the area for witnesses," a police spokeswoman said.
"Witnesses have described hearing several loud bangs and a car speeding off."
The investigation will focus on the $200,000 contract on the head of Mr Acquaro, who learnt about the bounty last year but ignored a warning from Purana detectives to improve his security.
It is expected links to a new breed of criminals with Calabrian heritage will also be investigated.
Tributes for Joseph Acquaro in front of his Brunswick East cafe on Wednesday.Credit: Eddie Jim
The Purana taskforce was established in 2003 to investigate a series of murders linked to organised crime groups.
The taskforce focuses on disrupting, disabling and dismantling organised crime groups.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.