Five men have been arrested in connection with the murder of Robert Issa, a Melbourne resident who was shot in a shopping centre car park earlier this year. The arrests were made by homicide detectives from various suburbs, including Kew, Mickleham, Pascoe Vale, and Fawkner, at around 6am.
Detective Inspector Dean Thomas described this development as a pivotal moment in the ongoing investigation, although he emphasised that it marks just the beginning of their efforts to uncover the full circumstances surrounding Issa’s death. He stated that the arrested men are believed to be the “foot soldiers” responsible for carrying out the murder, while suggesting that there are individuals higher up in the hierarchy who orchestrated the attack.
Robert Issa, aged 27, was shot multiple times in broad daylight at Craigieburn Central Shopping Centre on October 7, 2023. After the shooting, he was forcibly removed from his vehicle, where bystanders attempted CPR until emergency services arrived. Unfortunately, he was declared dead at the scene.
Detective Thomas expressed serious concern over the incident, highlighting the potential risk to innocent bystanders. He stated, “It is completely unacceptable that innocent members of the public were exposed to this level of potential harm,” showcasing the grave disregard for human life displayed during the attack. Thomas also noted that the incident could have had far more tragic consequences, possibly involving additional casualties.
The investigation is currently focused on uncovering the broader network involved in this crime, as authorities believe there are still individuals with information regarding the motive and the identities of all those involved, particularly those who may have masterminded the attack.