Police have launched an appeal over the shooting deaths of two innocent men believed to have been murdered by members of a Melbourne bikie gang.
Homicide Squad detectives believe Muhamed Yucel and Zabi Ezedyar were "innocent parties in cases of mistaken identity" when they were allegedly murdered in two shootings by members of the Comanchero Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG).
Mr Yucel was leaving a garage through a laneway at the back of a townhouse on Church Street in Keysborough when several shots were fired at the property just after 9.50pm on May 2, 2017.
The 22-year-old died at the scene from gunshot wounds.
Two other men at the property, aged 23 and 22 at the time, were taken to hospital with single gunshot wounds.
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Police believe the gunman had gone to the wrong address and mistakenly shot the three men.
Zabi Ezedyar was then shot dead three months later on August 16, while visiting family friends at a Narre Warren property.
The 26-year-old was being greeted at the front door of a property on Kurrajong Road when shots were fired about 7.45pm, killing him.
Detectives allege the gunman had gone to his intended address but wrongly shot Mr Ezedyar.
Investigators have established that both shootings were carried out by OMCG members, with at least one Comanchero member alleged to be responsible for both murders.
"Muhamed Yucel and Zabi Ezedyar were two innocent young men who lost their lives due to the callous stupidity, cavalier attitude to violence, and utter incompetence of members of the Comanchero Outlaw Motorcycle Gang," Detective Inspector Tim Day said.
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"Due to the actions by individuals in both incidents, we've been able to identify a number of people within the Comancheros who have had both direct and indirect involvement with the offending."
A black 4WD Jeep was spotted at the shooting scene in Keysborough and later found burnt out in Cranbourne.
The car also had false number plates which police believe were manufactured at a gymnasium with a photocopying device linked to several persons of interest.
A Toyota Corolla is believed to be involved in the Narre Warren shooting.
Police have conducted extensive investigations over the past four years, working with a number of Comanchero members to find out who was responsible for the two murders, which are believed to be linked.
However, some associates have been hesitant about coming forward to police.
"The actions of one individual in particular has brought scrutiny upon the club, and we know that there is angst amongst members of the club because of this," Detective Inspector Day said.
"We've been able to significantly progress the investigation due to some brave individuals who have provided information and intelligence.
"Associates of one of the two suspects, who we believe is cowering offshore, have been both willingly and unwillingly involved in this offending.
"We know that there are people on the fence about acting on what they know and we are appealing to them to come forward.
"You know the line has been crossed on these two murders.
"These were two innocent young men who were doing nothing wrong and had their whole lives ahead of them.
"They didn't deserve to be gunned down by cowardly, incompetent fools who were too stupid to get their powder dry from the outset."
Despite a number of public appeals, the two murders remain unsolved.
Anyone who witnessed the incidents or with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Source: https://ift.tt/3p2T1aG
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