In a tragic turn of events early this morning, a man was fatally shot outside a strip of shops in Melbourne’s north, sending shockwaves through the community. The incident, believed to be a targeted attack, has left authorities investigating the grim circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The partner of the deceased man rushed to the scene upon hearing the news, reportedly alerted by social media posts detailing the unfolding tragedy. Homicide detectives swiftly launched an investigation into the incident, which occurred just after 4:30 a.m. on Justin Avenue in Glenroy.
Emergency services found the victim near his red Hyundai i30, where he succumbed to his injuries shortly after their arrival. Shockingly, it was revealed that the man and his partner had checked into a hotel in Tullamarine mere moments before the fatal encounter.
Police presence intensified as authorities meticulously combed the area for any traces of evidence and scoured CCTV footage for potential leads. Shedding light on the unfolding investigation, Homicide Squad Detective Inspector Dean Thomas disclosed that the victim was known to law enforcement.
“At this stage, it appears to be a targeted attack,” stated Detective Inspector Thomas, dismissing any connection to recent incidents of tobacco store firebombings. He added, “The deceased is known to police and does have a criminal history. We will work through that and work out what’s occurred here this morning.”
Residents in the vicinity were rattled by the sounds of gunfire echoing through the morning air. One eyewitness, who was out jogging at the time, described the moment as “traumatising.” “It was a massive bang. At first, I thought it was fireworks,” he recounted, “Sadly there was a guy on the ground who passed away.”
Appealing to the public for assistance, Detective Inspector Thomas urged anyone with information or who witnessed suspicious activity in the area to come forward and aid the investigation.
As authorities delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding this targeted shooting, the community remains on edge, grappling with the stark reality of violence striking close to home. In the pursuit of justice, cooperation and vigilance are paramount as Melbourne mourns the loss of yet another life to senseless violence.
