A man has been shot dead outside a home in Merrylands West in broad daylight, with homicide detectives investigating whether he may have been mistakenly targeted.
Emergency services were called to Bruce Street in Sydney’s west at about 3.15pm on Wednesday, September 2, following reports of a shooting.
According to NSW Police, officers and paramedics found the man suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite attempts to treat him, he died at the scene.
The victim had not been formally identified when police issued their initial statement. Investigators are now working to establish why he was at the Bruce Street property and whether he was the person the attackers intended to target.
A major crime scene was established around the home as forensic officers and detectives began examining the property and nearby streets.
What happened in the Merrylands West shooting?
Police said the victim did not live at the Bruce Street address and detectives are examining his connection to people associated with the home.
Later media reports citing investigators indicated the man had arrived at the property only a short time before the shooting.
He was reportedly shot near the entrance or driveway of the home before emergency crews were called.
A neighbour told reporters that several gunshots were heard before police and ambulance crews arrived in the street.
Footage from the scene showed officers establishing a large cordon around the property while forensic specialists examined the area and detectives spoke with residents.
Merrylands has experienced other serious incidents this year, including a fatal stabbing near Merrylands train station, although there is no suggestion the cases are connected.
Police investigate possible mistaken identity
One of the main lines of inquiry is whether the victim was actually the person the attackers intended to kill.
According to media reports from the police briefing, investigators said the victim had no known links to organised crime, while people associated with the Bruce Street address were known to authorities.
That has led detectives to examine whether the shooting may have involved mistaken identity.
Police have not confirmed a motive, however, and mistaken identity remains an investigative theory rather than an established fact.
No suspect has been publicly identified and no arrest has been announced.
Investigators are also examining the victim’s relationship with the occupants of the home as they work to determine why he was at the property when the shooting occurred.
Grey Audi becomes a key lead
According to reports from the scene, detectives are examining a grey Audi sedan seen leaving the area shortly after the shooting.
The vehicle was reportedly observed travelling west along Bruce Street as investigators began reviewing CCTV from surrounding homes and businesses.
Police are seeking security-camera and dashcam footage that may help establish the vehicle’s movements or identify who was inside it.
The afternoon timing of the attack has also attracted attention because the shooting occurred on a residential street near homes, schools and public areas while members of the community could have been nearby.
Second fatal Sydney shooting in two days
The Merrylands West killing came a day after 23-year-old university student Marco Tapia was fatally shot during a home invasion at Glen Alpine in Sydney’s south-west.
Police said Tapia had no known criminal links, and investigators have also examined whether he may have been an unintended target.
There is currently no public evidence linking the Glen Alpine and Merrylands West shootings, and the two investigations are being treated separately.
The incidents occurring within such a short period have nevertheless increased scrutiny of targeted firearm attacks in residential areas across Sydney.
Homicide Squad joins the investigation
NSW Police said officers from Cumberland Police Area Command are investigating the shooting with assistance from the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad.
The initial police statement confirmed that a crime scene had been established and that inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the man’s death were continuing.
The investigation follows other major firearm cases across Sydney, including a fatal Potts Point shooting investigation earlier this year.
An official NSW Police statement confirms emergency services were called to Bruce Street at about 3.15pm, the man died at the scene and homicide detectives are assisting with the investigation.
Police are urging anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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