By Adam Cooper & Melissa Cunningham
A man charged with murder in a horror shooting in Melbourne’s south-east reportedly killed his son in a shocking family violence incident just days before Christmas.
Peter John Smith, 69, allegedly killed Andrew Smith at a house in Mulgrave on Monday night. Credit: Channel Seven
Peter John Smith, 69, appeared briefly before Melbourne Magistrates Court on Tuesday, charged with the murder of Andrew Smith, 30, in Mulgrave on Monday night.
The shooting followed an angry clash between the two men at their house that ended when Mr Smith allegedly opened fire killing the young father of two.
Neighbours said the family had lived in the street for more than five years, but had mostly kept to themselves.
Neighbour Maureen Gleeson said the street had been left reeling by the shooting.
“Someone’s lost a child and the older man’s life is ruined,” Ms Gleeson told reporters.
“The whole family’s life is ruined and that’s tragic. I feel very sad for that family, it’s Christmas time.”
The scene of the alleged shooting in Mulgrave. Credit: Channel Seven
Another neighbour told reporters she heard the gunshots, but did not realise there had been a shooting until detectives knocked on her door.
"We've been living here nearly 21 years, so this is just incredible," she told reporters at the scene. "I just can't believe that."
Paramedics were called to a house in Vincent Street about 10pm after reports of gunfire and declared the younger man dead upon their arrival.
Mr Smith was arrested, before being charged on Tuesday.
Relatives of the pair gathered at the Mulgrave house on Tuesday afternoon after police had combed the scene.
Investigators are waiting on the reports of gunshot residue testing and a ballistics analysis.
Mr Smith appeared in court wearing a white T-shirt and black pants and with his white hair cropped short.
His lawyer told the court Mr Smith was recovering from a serious illness and used prescribed medication.
Mr Smith was remanded in custody to return to court in April.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.