Homicide Squad detectives have today released two images of people they are looking to identify as part of their investigation into the death of Chris Habiyakare in Sunshine North earlier this year.
Chris was at his Essex Street home on Tuesday, 24 August with two male and three female friends, all believed to be aged in their 20s.
About 8.30pm Chris answered a knock on the door from a group of males and a confrontation occurred.
The group has forced their way inside the house and it’s believed they were armed with a range of weapons including a firearm.
The men and women visiting the house ran from the property, with one of the woman smashing a window to get out.
A physical altercation took place with the armed group and Chris was shot.
The group has then left the property and it’s believed they left the area in at least one vehicle.
One of Chris’ male friends returned to the property minutes later and called triple zero (000) before commencing CPR on Chris.
Paramedics attended however sadly Chris was not able to be revived and died at the scene.
No one else was physically injured during the incident.
Investigators believe this was a targeted incident, however the exact motive for the shooting is still to be determined.
Police had attended the property on the morning of 21 August following reports of a physical altercation and at this stage one of the lines of enquiry is determining if there are any links between this and the subsequent fatal shooting.
At this stage this is only one, but a very important, line of enquiry for police.
Homicide Squad detectives are today releasing images of two males they are looking to identify as part of their investigation.
They are keen to speak to anyone who might know these men and are also appealing for the men themselves to come forward.
Detectives are also keen to speak to anyone else who may have knowledge of the incidents or the circumstances leading up to the shooting.
A significant CCTV canvas of the area has been conducted, however anyone in the area who has footage from between 5pm and 10pm on 24 August and is yet to speak to police is asked to contact Crime Stoppers.
Police are also keen to hear from anyone travelling through the area around that time who may have dash-cam footage.
Anyone with footage or information about the incident is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or log onto www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributed to Detective Inspector Tim Day:
“Any use of a firearm is concerning for police and on this occasion, sadly it has had the most tragic of outcomes.
“Over the past few months the Homicide Squad has conducted a significant investigation which has led to us being able to put these images together and release them today.
“I believe there are people out there who can identify those involved in Chris’ death. That identification may be from recognising the people depicted in these images, or because they have knowledge of who was involved, or even why the incident occurred.
“It’s time for those people to do the right thing and come forward.
“At this time, we have a group of people out there who we believe are still in possession of the firearm.
“Chris was known to police and sadly had a history of involvement with drugs.
“However he was also much loved by his family and friends, all of whom are still grieving his loss and searching for answers as to why this has occurred.
“We need to speak to anyone who can shed light on the motive for the shooting and why Chris might have been targeted.
“Police had attended the property three days earlier on the morning of 21 August following reports of a physical altercation and at this stage we are attempting to determine if there is any link between this reported incident and the subsequent fatal shooting.
“At this stage this is only one, but a very important, line of enquiry for police.
“Again, I’m asking those with information about this matter to come forward and speak to police so we can hold those responsible to account.”
