MELBOURNE, Vic. — Homicide Squad detectives have launched a major investigation after a 55-year-old man was shot dead in the driveway of a residence in Melbourne's north late Tuesday night, October 27, 2026. Investigators suspect the targeted attack is linked to organized crime networks, as a torched getaway vehicle was discovered in a nearby suburb shortly after the shooting.
Emergency services responded to reports of gunfire along Mahoneys Road in Reservoir at approximately 11:50 p.m... According to Victoria Police and preliminary CCTV footage, a male offender stepped out of a parked black Lexus SUV with New South Wales registration plates and opened fire on the victim as he stood in the driveway.
The suspect fired at least six shots before speeding off. The victim suffered severe gunshot wounds to his upper body and succumbed to his injuries at the scene before paramedics could transport him to a hospital.
Minutes after the shooting, firefighters were called to Robinvale Avenue in Thomastown—roughly three kilometers north of the crime scene—where the black Lexus was found engulfed in flames. Investigators believe the vehicle was intentionally set alight to destroy forensic evidence.
Witnesses reported seeing the offender flee the burning car in a white Toyota Corolla hatchback. Police subsequently located a white Corolla fitted with stolen license plates parked on Dakota Court in Thomastown and are performing forensic checks to confirm its connection to the getaway sequence.
Detectives from the Homicide Squad established a mobile command center at the scene and have cordoned off the area along Mahoneys Road. Authorities confirmed that the ambush appears to be a targeted attack. Reports indicate the 55-year-old victim was a relative of an underworld figure, raising concerns about potential ongoing gang-related friction in Melbourne’s northern suburbs.
No arrests have been made, and police are appealing to anyone with dash cam footage or information who was traveling through Reservoir or Thomastown between 10:30 p.m. and 1:00 a.m. to contact Crime Stoppers immediately.
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