Third person arrested over Sydney underworld killing

Peter Bodkin
AAP
A third man is expected to be charged with an underworld murder last year.
A third man is expected to be charged with an underworld murder last year. Credit: AAP

A third person is due to be charged over the execution-style killing of a man who was gunned down on a Sydney street at the height of the city’s gangland wars.

The 30-year-old man was transferred from Silverwater jail to Burwood police station on Thursday and is expected to be charged with the murder of Ferenc “David” Stemler.

The arrest followed a public appeal on Monday for help in tracking down all of those responsible for the July 27 killing at Canterbury, in Sydney’s inner southwest.

Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.

Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.

Email Us
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.

Mr Stemler died at the scene in the early hours of the morning from multiple gunshot wounds in an attack police said had all the hallmarks of an underworld hit.

He was captured on CCTV approaching a white Commodore outside his address on Broughton St before he was fatally shot.

Detectives believe the meeting was pre-arranged.

Police allege the man arrested on Thursday was inside the Commodore at the time Mr Stemler approached the car.

Two people - a 23-year-old woman and a 27-year-old man - were previously charged over the murder and remain before the courts.

Both the Commodore and a white Lexus that police believe was used in the shooting were stolen before the shooting.

Mr Stemler was the fifth person to be shot on a Sydney street in as many days.

The shootings prompted NSW Police to set up Task Force Magnus to examine the series of killings, which were believed to be linked to organised crime networks feuding over the city’s lucrative illicit drug trade.

Latest Edition

The Nightly cover for 14-02-2025

Latest Edition

Edition Edition 14 February 202514 February 2025

Fiery hecklers deal PM harsh renewables reality check as election speculation mounts.