On November 30, 2020, Bahra Youseff shot and killed 30-year-old Adnan Salameh at his home in Tregear, Western Sydney. The incident occurred when Youseff, pursuing a $1500 cocaine debt, broke into the couple’s residence with an accomplice. Salameh, allegedly under the influence, lunged at them, prompting Youseff to fire at him twice, hitting him in the right thigh and shoulder.
In October, a NSW Supreme Court jury found Youseff guilty of murder, concluding that he intended to cause serious harm or death to Salameh. However, during sentencing, his barrister, John Stratton SC, contended there was no intent to kill, arguing that if this were the case, Youseff would have aimed for more lethal areas. He also suggested that Youseff’s immediate departure from the scene indicated a robbery that escalated unexpectedly.
Crown prosecutor Sylvie Sloan countered by highlighting the nature of the shotgun discharge, which nearly assured Salameh’s death. The court learned of Youseff’s troubled past, marked by violence and mental health issues, including PTSD. Despite a limited criminal record, he had prior convictions for intimidation and drug possession.
Youseff’s sentencing is set for February 28, 2024, as he maintains support from family during the proceedings.