Key facts
- A man was fatally shot in Sydney's west on Tuesday afternoon.
- Police are investigating the incident as a possible case of mistaken identity.
- The victim, who is yet to be formally identified, had no known links to organized crime.
- The property where the shooting occurred is known to police for organized crime activity.
- This is the second fatal shooting in Sydney this week, with the first also being investigated as mistaken identity.
New South Wales police are investigating a fatal shooting in Sydney's west as a potential case of mistaken identity, marking the second such incident in as many days. Emergency services responded to a property in Merrylands West around 3:15 p.m. Tuesday, where a man in his 30s sustained a gunshot wound and later died at the scene. Police stated the property is known for organized crime, but the victim had no apparent links to it. Superintendent Simon Glasser noted that while the investigation is in its early stages, there is a possibility that the offenders targeted the wrong person.
This incident follows a similar shooting on Tuesday in Glen Alpine, where 23-year-old Marco Tapia was killed in his bed. Police are also investigating Tapia's death as a case of mistaken identity, as he had no known criminal history beyond a traffic offense. Tapia was remembered by his martial arts gym as "a real one."
The Alameddine network and the emerging Coconut Cartel are reportedly involved in a feud that has led to shootings across Sydney. NSW opposition leader Kellie Sloane criticized the government's response to the escalating gangland violence, suggesting it was out of control. Police Minister Yasmin Catley, however, criticized Sloane's stance on gun buyback reforms.