A quiet suburban evening in Sydney's southwest was shattered by gunfire on Tuesday night, leaving a 33-year-old man dead in what police are treating as a targeted execution.
John Versace was discovered with multiple gunshot wounds in the driveway of a Condell Park home just after 9:30pm, emergency services finding him beyond help despite frantic attempts at resuscitation.
A Community in Shock
Neighbours described hearing multiple loud bangs that initially sounded like fireworks before the grim reality set in. "We heard about four or five shots, then screaming," one resident told reporters, requesting anonymity. "It's normally so quiet around here - you never expect this on your doorstep."
Forensic teams worked through the night, cordoning off the crime scene as homicide detectives began piecing together the victim's final movements and identifying potential suspects.
Organised Crime Connection Suspected
While police haven't officially confirmed motives, sources indicate the shooting bears all the hallmarks of a targeted attack, with organised crime connections being thoroughly investigated.
Detective Superintendent Darren Bennett confirmed that investigators are exploring all lines of enquiry, stating: "This was a brazen attack in a residential area, and we're determined to bring those responsible to justice."
Police are urging anyone with information, particularly dashcam footage from the Condell Park area between 9pm and 10pm, to come forward immediately.
