Former Det Sen-Sgt Charlie Bezzina takes a deep look into EastLink killing
The execution-style killing of Croydon man Paul Virgona on the EastLink freeway shook Victoria. More than a month has passed since the shock shooting, but these are the questions that still need answering, Charlie Bezzina says.
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On Saturday, November 9, Victorians woke to news of an execution-style killing of a man driving along EastLink in the early hours of the morning.
Croydon fruiter Paul Virgona was named as the victim — a well respected, hardworking family man and contributor to the community.
Why? Was it in fact mistaken identity which makes it all the more tragic?
While it is uncommon there have been two other cases of mistaken identity I am aware of.
First being Jane Thurgood Dove.
The second was during the underworld murders, an innocent man was mistakenly identified as being underworld figure Mario Condello.
If it wasn’t for police intervention in the case an innocent man would have been murdered.
The freeway location of the murder scene is somewhat perplexing.
However, circumstances change and it may not have been the offenders’ first choice given CCTV cameras, potential for police seeking speeding cars and so on.
On the other hand, freeways give the availability of multiple lanes, speed and exits.
With little chance of being boxed in if detected.
On face value, it had all the hallmarks of a professional hit with clear intention of death given the high-powered ammunition used and multiple shots fired.
As a veteran homicide investigator, I have responded to similar killings and given the significant task of giving loved one’s answers and bringing those responsible to justice.
Investigation protocols of such high public impact crimes rarely vary. There is always a minute, methodical and detailed investigation. The first order is to reassure the community at large that there is not a fixated “Julian Knight” type gun man just shooting members of the public at will.
In this instance, investigators were confronted, luckily with three separate crime scenes.
Crime scenes house evidence from which police hope to convince 12 jurors of the guilt of those they will charge with the offence of murder. I can only take it as a guess of how many CCTV cameras there are between Mr Virgona’s home and EastLink where the tragedy unfolded. Then comes identifying the other road users and dashcam.
The killers thought they had well planned the execution with a stolen Mercedes used later found burnt out at Mooroolbark.
Unfortunately for the offenders it may appear they were captured on CCTV, a major breakthrough which will no doubt add to other CCTV footage collected.
Then the car used to flee from the stolen Mercedes — a Volkswagen Amarok ute recovered at Bayswater before there was time for the offenders torch it.
No time to wipe fingerprints, DNA or fibres.
These crimes scenes will undoubtedly lead to the offenders’ identification.
Next is to identify witnesses from doorknocks, road users, pedestrians, Mr Virgona’s associates and family.
Delve into the history and lifestyle of the deceased.
Like every homicide scene I attended, the first question I asked myself was: “Why would someone want to kill this person?”.
Answers may identify motive and invariably potential suspects.
The offenders should not be comfortable or complacent due to the passage of time.
Nor concern for the community, there is no time limit on murder investigations.
The meticulous process of evidence takes time.
Investigators work on the premise when an arrest is made there will be a “no comment” interview.
That is not a problem as prior to any arrest the case is already built around an accused.
Once offenders are identified which may already be the case, associates are targeted.
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You can rest assured there are those out there who know who is responsible and sheer knowledge of that places them at risk.
Knowledge in these circumstances is a dangerous commodity which can only be mitigated by making contact with investigators.
It’s all too late when investigators knock on your door and the Special Operations Group effect their uncompromising arrest.
This is not getting away from the fact that these types of investigations are difficult but investigators will never shy away from the task.
Crimes scenes along with deceased persons always tell a story and yield evidence.
Through red herrings, misleading information, frustrations, working within protracted evidential processes, the investigators go where the evidence takes them.
There is no perfect crime, just crime where evidence has not arrived as yet but the welcome mat is always out.
— Former Det Sen-Sgt Charlie Bezzina was one of Victoria’s most successful and longest-serving homicide squad detectives.
Originally published as Former Det Sen-Sgt Charlie Bezzina takes a deep look into EastLink killing
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