Hundreds gather for funeral of plumber killed in potential mistaken identity shooting

Nearly two weeks after a brazen shooting in Sydney’s Condell Park, hundreds gathered in Punchbowl for the funeral of John Versace.

Funeral for John Versace who was killed in a targeted gangland shooting which police believe was a case of mistaken identity. Jane Dempster/The Daily Telegraph

Hundreds gathered at a Punchbowl church to pay their respects to a young plumber, who was shot dead on the doorstep of his parents’ home.

John Versace, 23, was executed at his family’s Condell Park home on May 20 and many questions surrounding his death have yet to be answered.

Those attending, packed the church, many forced to stand in the courtyard, as prayer hymns were heard over the loud speaker in both English and Arabic, before Mr Versace’s hearse arrived and was taken into the place of worship.

A procession of motorbikes were heard roaring from several streets away, most dressed in white, as they came to an a stop outside the church entrance.

Funeral for John Versace who was killed in a targeted gangland shooting which police believe was a case of mistaken identity. Jane Dempster/The Daily Telegraph

In a eulogy, remembering him as “affectionate, protective and full of love”, a man was heard saying how Mr Versace was “raised with love” and good values.

The man said the young plumber was “cheeky”, but showed love to his family.

“(He) never walked past his mum without kissing and hugging her,” the man said over the loudspeaker.

At the end of the funeral, crowds again gathered in the courtyard, waiting for the casket to be carried into the hearse.

Drums and Lebanese bagpipes played in the background as the casket made its way out of the church before balloons, in the shape of rosary beads were released into the air.

The motorbikes revved up before the hearse drove through the crowd on its way to Rookwood Cemetery.

Police say Mr Versace, who worked for his father’s plumbing business, had no criminal links and just a minor traffic offence to his name.

Moments after he was gunned down, his parents and older sisters crouched over his body and screamed for help.

John Versace was killed in Condell Park shooting. Picture: supplied/Facebook

Mr Versace had reversed his ute into the driveway of the Dalton Ave home just before 10.30pm when a masked killer ran towards him carrying a small handgun.

Superintendent Rodney Hart described the ambush to media last week as a “brutal and violent execution style murder”.

“At very close proximity to the victim, he (the gunman) opened fire, we believe fired up to 10 bullets at the victim,” he said.

“We believe that the victim suffered at least four gunshot wounds. He slumped to the ground out the front of his home.”

Mr Versace died at the scene despite paramedics attempting to save him.

Originally published as Hundreds gather for funeral of plumber killed in potential mistaken identity shooting