Adris Kheyali, a 23-year-old man, remains in custody after a Victorian Supreme Court judge refused his bail application, stating the police’s case against him was convincingly strong. Kheyali is accused of shooting and killing notorious gang member Mohammed Keshtiar in South Yarra in August 2023. The incident allegedly occurred as Keshtiar walked with another man, during which Kheyali reportedly fired at him from a vehicle and later exited to shoot again, ensuring Keshtiar was killed.
A total of 17 cartridge cases were found at the crime scene, underscoring the severity of the attack. Initially arrested for the murder in September 2023 and released pending further investigation, Kheyali was re-arrested on April 4, 2024, following a statement from a key witness, referred to as Witness O. In court, Kheyali’s barrister, Dermot Dann KC, contended that the lack of forensic evidence and incriminating messages rendered the police’s case weak. However, Justice Rita Incerti disagreed, highlighting that there was enough evidence linking Kheyali to the crime, stating, “I do not consider the prosecution case to be as weak as suggested.”
Justice Incerti acknowledged the significance of Witness O’s statement, deeming it “highly probative,” although specifics of the evidence were not disclosed. The judge also considered the $800,000 surety offered by Kheyali’s family but found it unrealistic to expect them to supervise him while on bail, given his status as an adult. While noting Kheyali’s reported mental health challenges, stemming from personal tragedies, Justice Incerti asserted that prison facilities could provide appropriate support during his detention.
Safety concerns for the community were paramount in Justice Incerti’s decision, especially given the “targeted shooting” occurred in a public space. She described the incident as a grave example of murder and concluded that Kheyali had not demonstrated any extraordinary circumstances that would justify granting bail.
Following the judge’s ruling, Kheyali expressed gratitude towards the court and shared emotional farewells with his family. He is scheduled to appear again in Melbourne Magistrates Court in August.