‘Targeted’: Man gunned down at home
A 64-year-old man who was shot dead outside his Melbourne home is believed to have been the victim of a ‘targeted attack’, according to police.
Fruiterer John Latorre was leaving his Buchanan Place property in Greenvale just after 4.30am on Tuesday to go to work when he was shot multiple times.
“As he came out of his garage, he was shot a number of times in the upper body by an unknown offender,” police said in a statement.
A family member found Mr Latorre shortly after but he had already died.
Two female relatives who were also at home were not injured.
“At this time it is not known how many offenders were involved in the incident or how they left the area,” police said.
“The exact circumstances surrounding the death are still being established, however police are treating it as a targeted attack.
“Police are keen to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has further information about those responsible and the motivation for the shooting.”
Earlier, Homicide Squad Detective Danny Travaglini said while the investigation was still in the early stages, it was not suspected to be a drive by shooting.
He said it was believed Mr Latorre was “approached in his driveway as he walked out of his garage”.
“I believe a family member heard what had occurred outside and found the deceased in the driveway,” Detective Travaglini said.
“Obviously we’ve spoken to them, they’re quite distraught.”
Detective Travaglini said he could not confirm it was related to organised crime.
Asked whether the shooting was linked to a hardware shop fire in Sunshine West Tuesday morning, Detective Travaglini said: “That will form part of our investigation.”
“We’ll make inquiries in relation to what happened in Sunshine and see if there’s any connection to what happened this morning.”
Police later said they did not believe there were any links between the shooting and the fire.
A crime scene has been established and no arrests have been made at this stage.
Officers have collected CCTV footage but would like to speak to anyone who has not handed over footage, including anyone with dashcam vision.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
