A man who died in a five-person shooting that police are investigating as an alleged underworld attack has been identified as 28-year-old Alai Ahio.
Ahio died in hospital after the shooting incident on Tuesday night, May 19. He was a former associate of the Sydney rap group OneFour.
Police said Ahio was sitting in the garage of a home in Canley Heights when the incident occurred. Authorities clarified that there is no indication of wrongdoing by the people at the house or by members of OneFour.
Emergency services were alerted to reports of gunfire shortly before 8:20pm. About 10 minutes later, Ahio and another 32-year-old man arrived at Liverpool Hospital with multiple injuries. Ahio underwent surgery but later died, while the other man remains in serious condition with a neck injury.
Two additional men, aged 23 and 22, later arrived at Fairfield Hospital with serious injuries and were transferred for further treatment. Another 19-year-old man later presented at Liverpool Hospital with an arm injury and is currently in stable condition.
Detective Superintendent Craig Middleton said investigators believe two men entered the home shortly before gunfire broke out. Police suspect the pair fled the area in a white SUV.
Authorities said all five victims knew each other and are investigating possible links to organised crime, including the so-called “coconut cartel”, although no connection has been confirmed.
Crime scenes have been established at the Canley Heights property and at a Saint Johns Park address, where vehicles used to transport the injured men were found.
Police believe the shooting was targeted, but the motive remains unknown. Investigations by Fairfield City Police and the Homicide Squad are continuing.