NSW: Gunman fled in taxi after fatal shooting say witnesses

AAP General News (Australia)
04-21-2006
NSW: Gunman fled in taxi after fatal shooting say witnesses

By Katherine Danks, Police Reporter

SYDNEY, April 21 AAP - Gunshots were heard before the body of the man was found lying
in a pool of blood in a Sydney laneway, the victim of an execution-style murder.

The man, believed to be a member of a bikie gang, was found with a gunshot wound to
the head in a lane off Riley Street in East Sydney about 9.15pm (AEST) yesterday.

Witnesses in nearby Stanley Street told police they saw the suspected killer get into
a taxi outside the Lord Roberts Hotel just after the shooting.

The victim, aged in his early 30s, was seen with his killer at Italian eatery Bar Reggio
shortly before the murder.

The taxi, which wasn't fitted with a security camera, has been seized by police for
forensic examination.

The driver was unharmed and has been interviewed by police.

Investigations were continuing today, but a police spokeswoman said officers had a
good idea of who they were looking for.

A 55-year-old local resident, who asked not to be named, said he saw the victim's body
in Chapel Street.

He was in the nearby Arch cafe, which backs on to Chapel Street, when he heard police sirens.

"I saw the body in the laneway," he said.

"I just poked my head out the door and saw black shoes and maybe black pants.

"Everyone was still dining, the restaurants were full, there were people in the street."

Leigh McDivitt, 24, who works in nearby restaurant Pello, also saw the murder victim.

"The guy was lying there in a pool of blood," she said.

"They left the body there for hours."

Rebecca Evans, 25, who has lived near Chapel Street for about six months, said she
had heard "lots of arguments" in the laneway, but she was surprised by last night's murder.

"(I heard) two bangs, that's it ... we were watching television," she said.

One neighbour, who also asked not to be named, said she felt safe in East Sydney regardless
of the crime rate.

"I wish it wasn't happening, but it's just part of life in the suburb," she said.

"I've never felt scared, it's my patch, it's well lit and there are always people around.

"I could get caught in the crossfire, but I don't think they're targeting locals."

Police believe the gunman is aged in his late 30s or early 40s, about 180cm tall, of
white/European appearance and a muscular/athletic build, with shaved or short grey/white
hair.

He was wearing dark coloured shorts and a light coloured jacket and carrying a black
bag similar to a doctor's bag.

He is believed to be armed and dangerous.

AAP kjd/tam/jjs

KEYWORD: SHOT WITNESSES

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