Detectives from the Echo Taskforce are today releasing CCTV footage as part of their investigation into an incident where a man was shot in Bulleen earlier this year.
Rocco Curra was sitting in his stationary vehicle parked on Bourke Street on Thursday, 1 August when he was shot several times in the head and upper body.
CCTV footage shows a vehicle, believed to be a dark coloured BMW, pull up in front of the 37-year-old victim’s vehicle.
Two men got out of the front and rear passenger sides while a third person remained in the driver seat.
They both began shooting at the victim as he sat in his car before getting back in the BMW and fleeing east on Bourke Street
The stolen 2017 BMW hatchback was located burnt out in nearby Hodgson Street, Templestowe a short time later.
Detectives have also released a digital facial composite image of a man they believe may be able to assist with their enquiries.
He is described as middle eastern in appearance with short dark hair and a full beard.
Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Justin Mercovich from the Echo Taskforce said investigators were hopeful that someone in the community will recognise the men shown in the CCTV and come forward.
“The footage we’re releasing today clearly shows what the men were wearing at the time of the incident and how they move,” he said.
“You can see them for quite some time as they exit the BMW and start shooting at the victim’s car.
“Rocco is very lucky to still be alive and given the indiscriminate way the offenders are shooting at his car, we’re also lucky that other people weren’t inadvertently injured or killed.
“We’re also hoping that someone will recognise the man from the digital image and provide investigators with some information about his identity.
“We believe there are people out there who know who these people are or who have seen them on the night of the shooting, and we’re urging those people to contact police.”
A/S/Sgt Mercovich also said police believe the shooting was a targeted attack.
“At this stage we’re still trying to piece together a specific motive for the shooting,” he said.
“There are some connections to a number of organised crime groups, so this is certainly an avenue of enquiry for us.
“We’re also exploring whether the victim was deliberately lured to the area – this is a quiet, suburban part of Melbourne on a Thursday night and isn’t the sort of place someone would necessarily go unless they had a specific reason to be there.”
Anyone who recognises the men in the CCTV or the man shown in the digital image, or with any other information about the shooting is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
