Arabic version: تظهر لقطات كاميرات المراقبة اغتيال شخصية من عالم الجريمة في ملبورن
CCTV footage presented in the Supreme Court has captured the moment Melbourne underworld figure Gavin Preston was shot dead. Prosecutors say that Jaeden Tito and Rabii Zahabe are the men seen in the footage opening fire on Preston before fleeing in an SUV. According to ABC News, the trial is currently in its third week under Justice Michael O’Connell.
Preston was fatally shot on September 9, 2023, at Sweet Lulu’s cafe in Keilor. Prosecutors allege that Tito and Zahabe executed a contract killing, although both men have pleaded not guilty to murder. Their defense attorneys argue that the evidence does not support the prosecution’s claims that their clients were the shooters.
The jury has been shown extensive evidence, including dozens of photos and videos. The newly released CCTV video shows Preston parking his car and attending the Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre before meeting a friend, AJ Maghnie, at the cafe for breakfast. Typically a frequent diner at the cafe, Preston was forced to sit outside due to the full indoor seating.
As the pair enjoyed their drinks, a dark-coloured Audi SUV pulled up, and two masked individuals emerged and approached them. The shooters opened fire, hitting Preston with seven bullets, while Maghnie attempted to escape but was also shot in the abdomen. Chaos ensued as patrons ran for safety, and the assailants quickly returned to their vehicle and fled the scene.
Subsequent footage captured the two men abandoning the SUV used during the shooting. One of the suspects was seen torching the vehicle, leading to an accidental injury to his arm. Authorities allege that the pair utilized two additional getaway cars that were pre-positioned nearby, before arranging a ride to Sydney. DNA evidence reportedly links Tito and Zahabe to the abandoned vehicles and items found inside them. The ongoing trial has revealed that Preston had numerous enemies in the underworld, potentially providing motives for his assassination.
