Tara Murray
Police have released CCTV footage of a vehicle they’re searching for as part of an investigation into the fatal shooting of Adrian Pacione in Lalor earlier this year.
Mr Pacione was at a friend’s house on Ella Court on July 18 when a number of men attended the property about 10.35pm.
Police have been told the men allegedly attempted to force their way into the house and when they were unsuccessful, fired a number of shots into the property.
One of these shots struck 20-year-old Mr Pacione in the head. He died in hospital two days later from his injuries.
Three other men, who were inside the property at the time of the incident, were uninjured.
The group of men, including the gunman, left the scene in a dark coloured vehicle, which was last seen heading south along Mount View Road in Lalor.
Police believe the incident was targeted and possibly the result of a dispute.
Mr Pacione was at the property to support a friend following the death of a family member and police do not believe he was involved in any possible dispute or previous incident.
Homicide Squad Detective Inspector Andrew Stamper said Mr Pacione’s family were still coming to terms with his loss.
“This was a senseless act of violence and one where it appears the most serious ramifications were all felt by a completely innocent party,” he said.
“Adrian was an honest and hard-working third-year apprentice in sheet metal fabrication who was still very young and had his whole life ahead of him.
“Any incident involving firearms is a concern for police and on this occasion, the indiscriminate use of a gun has ultimately led to someone’s death.
“There is never any kind of justification for this and we are doing everything we can to track down those responsible for Adrian’s death.
“Today is a warning for them – we know there’s people in the community who have information to provide us, who are going to see this and understand that an innocent young man has died for nothing.”
Anyone who has information about the vehicle or its owners, or saw the vehicle in the area on the night, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
