In a shocking case of gang-related violence, two men have been accused of murdering notorious underworld figure Gavin Preston in a carefully orchestrated hit. The incident unfolded on September 9, 2023, as Preston, 50, enjoyed breakfast at Sweet Lulus café in Keilor, a suburb in Melbourne’s north-west. Prosecutors allege that the accused, Jaeden Tito, 25, and Rabii Zahabe, 26, transformed their appearance and changed vehicles multiple times in an effort to evade detection following the attack.
As the trial commenced at the Supreme Court in Melbourne, it was revealed that both men face charges including the attempted murder of Abbas Maghnie, who was dining with Preston during the attack. The pair has pleaded not guilty, distancing themselves from the shootings.
Prosecutor Christie Churchill described a chaotic scene where patrons at the café were horrified as the gunmen, dressed in black with masks and gloves, emerged from an Audi Q5 and unleashed a barrage of bullets. Preston was struck by multiple rounds and collapsed, while Maghnie was injured but survived.
Churchill asserted that evidence will show the attack was a contract killing, implying premeditated planning involving unidentified accomplices. “This was a planned underworld hit,” Churchill stated, highlighting that Tito and Zahabe had allegedly spent hours in a car park opposite the café prior to the shooting.
Footage presented to the jury illustrates the panic that ensued as diners reacted to the gunfire, with many fleeing for safety. Following the incident, Tito and Zahabe allegedly returned to their vehicle, drove erratically through nearby residential streets, and subsequently set the Audi ablaze in an apparent effort to destroy evidence.
Tito is reported to have suffered burns while attempting to extinguish the flames, which raised further suspicions. Prosecutors indicated that after the shooting, Zahabe reportedly searched online for countries with no extradition treaties, suggesting an intent to escape from justice.
Both defence barristers contended that their clients were not the shooters, urging the jury to examine the attempted murder charges separately from those of murder. The trial, which is set to continue, will present further evidence, including DNA links to the crime scene and vehicles involved.
As the case unfolds, it highlights the ongoing issues of violent crime associated with Melbourne’s criminal underworld, alarming both the local community and authorities.