John Versace: Plumber executed in ‘brutal, targeted’ hit in Sydney’s South West

Amy Lee
The Nightly
The victim of a ‘very brutal and distressing’ execution-style shooting in Sydney’s south west has been identified as a 23-year-old plumber.
The victim of a ‘very brutal and distressing’ execution-style shooting in Sydney’s south west has been identified as a 23-year-old plumber. Credit: The Nightly

The victim of “a very brutal and distressing” execution-style shooting in Sydney’s south west has been identified as a 23-year-old plumber.

Two people are on the run after the shooting in Condell Park on Monday night, that left John Versace dead.

Emergency services were called to a home on Dalton Street around 10.30pm, following reports a man had been shot.

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CCTV footage shows the victim arriving at his home, where he lived with his parents and two sisters, before a silver hatchback pulls up and parks him in.

A hooded male holding what is believed to be a Glock pistol exits the vehicle from the rear driver’s side door and fires up to 10 bullets at the man.

Emergency services were called to a home on Dalton Street on Monday night.
Emergency services were called to a home on Dalton Street on Monday night. Credit: News Corp

Police believe at least four shots hit Mr Versace, who died at the scene.

“He slumped to the ground at the front of his home and the offender returned to the hatchback,” he said.

“We believe this...extremely brutal and violent execution-style murder is a targeted attack.”

About 20 minutes after the fatal shots were fired, police found a torched car believed to have been used as a getaway car in nearby Fairfield Heights.

A Glock pistol was found inside.

Police believe the victim was possibly working for his father’s business and do not believe he had links to organised crime.

Police confirmed a man in his 20s died at the scene.
Police confirmed a man in his 20s died at the scene. Credit: News Corp

“He does not have a criminal record. His family members do not have criminal records. And he, at this stage, I believe, has one traffic offence,” Superintendent Hart said in a press conference.

“This has all the hallmarks of a targeted, brutal hit, so that is what we are treating it as.”

“We need to look at who he is involved with, who he knows and what he did leading up to this brutal attack,” he continued.

Tributes for Mr Versace are pouring in, as friends and family take to social media to share their heartfelt messages.

“We are absolutely heartbroken to announce the passing of my beautiful baby brother,” his sister Deanna Versace wrote on Facebook.

“No words can describe the pain we are all feeling.

“You were the world’s greatest brother, son, grandson, cousin, and friend,” she continued.

“Life will never be the same.”

NSW Police are urging anyone who may have information, dashcam or surveillance footage from the surrounding areas to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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