Detectives from the Homicide Squad are continuing to appeal for information as part of their investigations into two 2017 fatal shootings that they now believe are linked.
In both cases, investigators believe the victims were the innocent parties in cases of mistaken identity and were murdered by members of the Comanchero Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG) who shot the wrong people.
On 2 May 2017, Muhamed Yucel was leaving the garage via a laneway at the rear of a Church Street town house in Keysborough when several shots were fired at the premises about 9.52pm.
The then 22-year-old Keysborough man was struck a number of times and died at the scene.
Two other Keysborough men, aged 23 and 22 at the time of the incident, received single gunshot wounds and were taken to hospital.
Investigators believe all three victims were shot as a result of incompetent gunmen attending the wrong property.
Three months later on 16 August 2017, then 26-year-old Zabi Ezedyar was shot whilst visiting family friends at an address in Narre Warren.
Zabi was being greeted at the front door of a Kurrajong Road residence when shots rang out about 7.45pm, striking and killing him.
On this occasion detectives believe the gunman attended the correct address but shot the wrong person.
Police are again appealing for anyone who witnessed or may have information about the vehicles involved in either incident.
A black 4WD Jeep was observed at the scene in Keysborough and later located burnt out in Cranbourne.
It was also bearing false numberplates police believe were manufactured at a gymnasium with a photocopying device linked to several persons of interest.
Investigators have also identified a car linked to an associate of one of the suspects has travelled to the scene, while a vehicle linked to a second associate of that suspect has travelled down the Great Ocean Road.
Police now believe a Toyota Corolla was involved in the Narre Warren shooting, after initially identifying and subsequently ruling out a Toyota Rav4.
Investigators have established that both shootings were carried out by members of the Comanchero OMCG, and that at least one of these Comanchero members has been responsible for both murders.
Both Zabi and Muhamed were innocent parties and both murders were a case of mistaken identity.
Homicide Squad detectives have conducted thorough investigations over the past four years and identified numerous people connected with the Comanchero OMCG who have direct knowledge of those responsible.
Investigators have also worked closely with the Echo Taskforce on these matters.
However despite this and a number of public appeals from police and family, the murders remain unsolved.
Anyone who witnessed the incidents or with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Officer in Charge of the Homicide Squad, Detective Inspector Tim Day:
"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.
"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.
"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.
"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.
"Again, 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."
