UPDATE: Two men have been charged in connection with the execution-style murder of John Versace, a 23-year-old plumber, at his home in Condell Park, Sydney. The charges come nearly six months after the shocking incident, which police suspect was a case of mistaken identity.
Authorities arrested a 43-year-old and a 19-year-old on Wednesday morning, alleging both played pivotal roles in the brutal attack that occurred on May 19. According to police, the older suspect orchestrated the murder, while both men are accused of driving the vehicles involved in the crime. They now face serious charges of murder.
Detective Superintendent Jason Box spoke to reporters shortly after the arrests, stating, “There was a lot of planning involved.” At approximately 10:30 PM on the night of the shooting, Versace was returning home when another vehicle blocked his way. A man exited the car, armed with what appeared to be a Glock pistol, and fired up to 10 bullets at Versace, who tragically succumbed to his injuries despite paramedics’ efforts.
While the two arrested men are not believed to have pulled the trigger, investigators assert that the older suspect was key in planning the murder and transporting the gunman to the scene. After the shooting, the suspects allegedly fled to a series of staged vehicles, which were later set on fire. The younger suspect reportedly assisted in planning the murder and acquiring the vehicles used.
Since Versace’s death, police have been probing the motive behind this violent act. Detective Superintendent Box indicated that multiple theories are being explored, emphasizing that “nothing suggests that Mr. Versace was anything but a hard-working young man who was living at home with his family.”
Both suspects have been denied bail and appeared in court on Wednesday. The murder of John Versace occurred amid a troubling uptick in public shootings in Sydney. Just days following his death, two men were hospitalized after a gunman unleashed a hail of bullets in Granville, and in October, former UFC fighter Suman Mokhtarian was fatally shot while strolling in the area.
As investigations continue, authorities urge anyone with information related to the case to come forward. The community remains on high alert as the implications of this violent crime ripple through Sydney.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
