A man has been fatally shot in what authorities describe as a targeted attack involving five individuals. The victim, identified as Alai Ahio, aged 28, succumbed to his injuries following the incident on the evening of May 19. Ahio, a former affiliate of the Sydney-based music group OneFour, was wounded while inside a residence in Canley Heights.
Law enforcement officials clarified that there is no implication of misconduct by the occupants of the house or the members of OneFour. The police were alerted to gunfire at the location shortly before 8:20 pm.
Subsequently, at 8:30 pm, two men, including Ahio and a 32-year-old male, presented themselves at Liverpool Hospital with multiple gunshot wounds. Ahio underwent emergency surgery but unfortunately did not survive. The other individual remains hospitalized in critical condition with a neck injury.
Two additional males, aged 23 and 22, arrived at Fairfield Hospital around ten minutes later in a serious condition. They have since been transferred to separate medical facilities for treatment. The 23-year-old is receiving care for a gunshot wound to the neck, while the 22-year-old is being treated for a shoulder injury.
Approximately an hour later, a 19-year-old male arrived at Liverpool Hospital with arm injuries and is reported to be in stable condition.
Detective Superintendent Craig Middleton indicated that two unidentified men entered the residence in Canley Vale, triggering the gunfire shortly thereafter. It is believed that these individuals fled the scene in a white SUV.
According to the authorities, Ahio and the four injured individuals were acquainted with each other. Investigations are ongoing into potential underworld connections, notably concerning a group known as the “coconut cartel,” although no conclusive links have been established.
A crime scene has been established at the Canley Heights residence where the incident occurred. Additionally, two vehicles used to transport the initial victims to the hospital were discovered at an address in Saint Johns Park, leading to the establishment of a second crime scene.
Middleton emphasized that the attack appeared to be premeditated, prompting law enforcement to take preventive measures against potential future incidents within the next 48 hours. The motive behind the assault remains unclear.
Describing the incident as a brazen and violent attack, Middleton mentioned that the authorities are exploring potential ties to organized crime, although it is still early in the investigation.
Fairfield City Police Area Command, with support from the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad, is leading the inquiry. Individuals with relevant information are urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.