Tara Murray
The Homicide Squad is investigating whether an earlier altercation was used as a cover by those responsible for the fatal shooting of Chris Habiyakare in Sunshine North in August.
Mr Habiyakare was at his Essex Street home on August 24 with five friends.
About 8.30pm, Mr Habiyakare answered a knock on the door from a group of males and a confrontation occurred.
The group allegedly forced their way inside the house and it’s believed they were armed with a range of weapons including a firearm.
The men and women visiting the house ran from the property, with one of the women smashing a window to get out.
A physical altercation allegedly took place with the armed group and Mr Habiyakare was shot.
The group has then left the property and it’s believed they left the area in at least one vehicle.
Mr Habiyakare died at the scene. No one else was physically injured during the incident.
Three days earlier, on 21 August, an altercation took place at the same address and detectives last week appealed for information to determine who was involved in the earlier matter and whether it was linked to
Mr Habiyakare’s death.
After receiving information and interviewing a number of people involved in the incident on August 21, police have now ruled out any links between that matter and
Mr Habiyakare’s death.
Investigators are now exploring whether the offending group was aware of this altercation and potentially used it as a reason to target Mr Habiyakare and avoid detection.
While detectives still believe this was a targeted incident, the exact motive for the shooting is yet to be determined.
Police are keen to hear from anyone who is aware of any issues or disagreements Mr Habiyakare may have had with anyone prior to his death, no matter how minor they may seem.
A firearm located by police at an unrelated incident earlier this month is currently being further forensically tested by the Ballistics Unit and police are confident this will be the firearm involved in Mr Habiyakare’s death.
Investigators are also releasing CCTV footage of a vehicle seen driving along Essex Street on the night of the shooting.
Last week Homicide Squad detectives released two images in an effort to identify two men believed to be linked to the incident, and they are again appealing to anyone who can identify these men to come forward.
Detective Inspector Tim Day said following last week’s appeal they had received information which had allowed them to narrow the investigation.
“Importantly, information now allows us to confidently dispel any connection between the altercation on 21 August and the incident where Chris was shot and killed.
“Based on the information we’ve received, it’s becoming increasingly likely that the actual group responsible for Chris’ death was aware of the previous now unrelated altercation and has tried to take advantage of it.
“At this stage we still believe a group of between four to six males attended Chris’ home that night, however it is possible that not all of those involved wanted to kill Chris or were aware he was going to be shot.
“Now is the time for those people to come forward and tell their side of the story – get in first as this may be the only opportunity you get.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
