Three teenagers charged in alleged Tapia murder case — ABC News Australia
In Western Sydney, Australia, two 16-year-olds and one 14-year-old have been charged in the case of the alleged murder of university student Marco Tapia. New South Wales Police believe Tapia may have been a victim of mistaken identity during a shooting at a house in the Glen Alpine area.
According to ABC News Australia, Detective Superintendent Joe Doueihi said that the accused allegedly planned to attack a person living on the same street as Tapia. Police also claim that they were allegedly hired by an organised crime group and arrived in New South Wales from the state of Victoria to commit violent crimes, including Tapia's murder.
Two deaths in less than 48 hours
Less than 48 hours after the incident in Glen Alpine, Joshua McDonald was shot dead in Merrylands West. It happened at about 3:15 p.m. in the doorway of a residential building near a school, while parents were picking up their children.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Local residents told the outlet that the shooting had heightened their concerns about the safety of families and businesses. According to ABC News Australia, since 2021, eight people unconnected to crime may have died as a result of cases of mistaken identity. Two such deaths occurred within two days last month.
Police statements on preventing attacks
One resident also mentioned the death of an 11-year-old boy who died last month after being shot in the face in Norwest. According to her, men linked to organised crime were in the house during the shooting. Police continue to investigate the circumstances of this incident.
Acting Chief Superintendent Matt Craft said in mid-September that police identify threats at an early stage, counter criminal networks and hold those involved accountable. According to him, Taskforce Falcon carried out more than 668 proactive operations in September alone, and since the start of the year police have managed to prevent more than 100 acts of violence or murders.
