Murdered in Cold Blood: Two Men Charged with Slain Sydney Tradie John Versace’s Brutal Killing
- Two men, 43 and 19, arrested and charged with the murder of 23-year-old tradie John Versace
- Versace mistaken for a gangland member, gunned down in his driveway with multiple shots
- Chilling CCTV footage captures the horrific murder, with the gunman fleeing in a silver Toyota SUV
In a shocking turn of events, two men have been charged with the murder of Sydney tradie John Versace, who was brutally gunned down in his driveway after being mistaken for a gangland member. The 23-year-old plumber’s life was tragically cut short on May 19 this year, when he was ambushed and shot multiple times outside his family home in Condell Park.
Following an extensive investigation, Homicide Squad detectives arrested the two men, aged 43 and 19, on Tuesday. They were taken to Bankstown Police Station, where they were formally charged with murder. Police allege the duo drove and moved the vehicles used in Versace’s murder.
Disturbing CCTV footage released days after Versace’s death shows a figure dressed in black exiting a silver Toyota SUV and approaching the tradie, who was getting out of his ute. A man can be heard yelling “Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey … stop, stop”, before numerous gunshots rang out on the quiet suburban street.
Versace’s devastated family could be heard screaming and wailing as police established a crime scene. The young tradie was hit at least four times and pronounced dead at the scene.
A short time later, police were called to Blackford St in Fairfield East after reports that a car “very similar” to the one used in the attack had been torched. The car was “well alight” by the time emergency crews arrived, but police were able to locate a small “Glock-style” gun in the vehicle.
Police believe Versace was an innocent victim, mistaken for a gangland member. They do not believe he had links to organised crime despite the nature of the attack.
The two men charged with Versace’s murder were denied bail and were due to appear in Liverpool Court on Wednesday. As investigations under Strike Force Harkstede continue, police will address the media on Wednesday afternoon.