22-year-old Daniel Hussein, weeks from his wedding, killed near suburban park after reported confrontation; police appeal for witnesses.
22-Year-Old Man Fatally Shot in Thomastown, Melbourne:
A 22-year-old plumber has been shot dead in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, with the suspected gunman still on the run, Victoria Police said.
Daniel Hussein was fatally wounded near HR Uren Reserve on Victoria Drive in Thomastown shortly after 7:30pm on Sunday. Emergency services responded to reports of a shooting outside a property close to the Lalor United Football Club car park. Despite efforts to revive him, he was declared dead at the scene.
Police confirmed the victim was a 22-year-old local resident. Homicide Squad detectives are investigating the circumstances, stating they believe Hussein may have been involved in a confrontation with one or more people in the reserve car park moments before the shooting. No arrests have been made.
Family members identified Hussein as a recently qualified plumber who was preparing to marry in the coming weeks. His brother Ali told reporters that Hussein had rushed to the scene after a friend involved in a dispute called for help. “His friend got into a brawl and called my brother. My brother pulled up (in his car) and they shot my brother. His car was still running,” Ali said. Relatives also reported that Hussein had messaged a brother shortly beforehand saying he was being followed by a black vehicle without number plates.
Police Hunt Suspects After Fatal Thomastown Shooting:
Witnesses described hearing shouting and a heated exchange before gunfire. One resident said a black SUV entered the car park around the time of the incident. The area, which had hosted junior football matches earlier in the day, was cordoned off as forensic officers examined the scene. A large police presence remained overnight.
Victoria Police have appealed for anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage to contact Crime Stoppers. The exact motive and sequence of events remain under investigation.
The killing has left Hussein’s family devastated. Tributes described him as a hardworking young man who had recently completed his plumbing apprenticeship and was focused on building his future. Community members gathered near the scene as news of the death spread through the suburb.
Australian authorities continue to treat the incident as a targeted shooting while urging the public to come forward with any details that could assist the hunt for those responsible.