Victoria Police homicide squad detectives have released CCTV footage and images of two men and two cars they hope to identify as part of an investigation into the fatal shooting of Korey Kesici in Mickleham in May.
At about 11pm on Wednesday, May 4, a stolen red Holden Commodore ute with false number plates drove away from a service station on the corner of Main Street and Edgars Road in Thomastown without paying for petrol.
Half an hour later, the same red ute was captured on CCTV travelling in convoy with a white BMW on Donnybrook Road in the direction of Mickleham.
Just after midnight on Thursday, May 5, Mr Kesici left his home on Bangalore Way to speak to the male occupant or occupants of a white BMW parked in the street.
After approaching the vehicle, the 22-year-old was shot several times.
The offenders then fled in the white BMW, which was found alight shortly after on nearby St Georges Boulevard.
Emergency services were called, but Mr Kesici died at the scene.
The red Holden was found alight the following day at about 7.30pm on Friday, May 6, in Beveridge.
A police investigation into the incident has been underway for the past seven months, with detectives reviewing thousands of hours of CCTV footage.
Police last week released CCTV of a man seen in the vicinity of Mr Kesici’s house shortly before the shooting.
Investigators believe the man was involved in the shooting and are hoping to identify him.
Serious Crime Division Detective Acting Superintendent Dean Thomas said it was clear to police the shooting was a ‘deliberate, targeted organised crime hit’.
“We know Korey had connections to a number of organised crime groups, including outlaw motorcycle gangs and other organised crime groups. This has added complexity to the investigation and our lines of enquiry, including determining a motive,” he said.
“It was more than a simple street exchange – Korey’s murder involved a confronting level of public violence.
“Police ask that people look closely at the footage of the men and the two vehicles and if they have any information that may identify them, to please contact police.
“Korey’s heartbroken family deserves answers as to why this happened, and we will do everything we can to help provide those answers for them.”
Police also released footage from the petrol drive off, which shows a second man.
Investigators are keen to speak to anyone who recognises either of the two men.
Footage of the stolen red ute set alight in Beveridge the following day has also been released.
Both vehicles were previously stolen – the white BMW was stolen from an address in Tyabb on March 27 and the red Holden was stolen from an address in Maribyrnong on April 8.
Police are keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the shooting, as well as anyone in the area between 11pm and 1am and who may have dash-cam or CCTV footage of either vehicle or the males involved.
Anyone who can provide information on associates of Mr Kesici or any motivation for the shooting is urged to contact police. The information can be provided anonymously.
Police have asked witnesses or anyone with footage or information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Police have released footage of a red ute and two men they wish to identify in relation to the murder of Mickleham man Korey Kesici in May.
