Glen Alpine, NSW: Two teens charged with murder after Marco Tapia shot dead in case of mistaken identity

Two teenage boys, aged just 14 and 16, have been charged with murder over the fatal shooting of an innocent university student in what police allege was a case of mistaken identity.

Biomedical engineering student Marco Tapia, 23, was shot and killed at his home on Mount Sugarloaf Drive in Glen Alpine, in Sydney’s south west on September 1.

Detectives have since confirmed the wrong house was targeted.

Mr Tapia had no known gang affiliations, and was only known by authorities due to traffic offences.

Two homes in Fairfield were raided by detectives from Strike Force Gareno on Wednesday morning, with two boys aged 14 and 16 arrested and taken to Cabramatta Police Station for questioning.

Both teens have been charged with murder, participating in a criminal group, possessing an unauthorised firearm and two counts each of driving a stolen vehicle.

The 14-year-old has also been charged with damaging a property with fire/explosion.

Detectives will be arguing the teenagers were responsible for staging vehicles and providing a firearm for the gunman.

Speaking to A Current Affair, Mr Tapia’s father Sergio said he was haunted by the “smell of gunpowder”.

“It was a horrific way that he passed. The images do not leave our mind,” Mr Tapia said.

“We were always proud of him and always loved him, he knows how much we loved him. He was always at peace with everyone and loved everyone.”

Mr Tapia’s mother Claudia said no family should have to endure such pain.

“You always have dreams for your children, that they’re going to have a family and children. You do not prepare for having to bury your son so young,” she said.

Mr Tapia’s sister Cassie said the loss of her little brother, who was due to serve as her groomsman at her upcoming wedding, was “heartbreaking”.