By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Distraught family members have pleaded for justice for their late brother and son Zabi Ezedyar who was murdered at a home in Kurrajong Road, Narre Warren last year.
Zabi’s sister Deana Ezedyar and mother, Mariam Ezedyar travelled from Perth to make a public plea for information on the unsolved murder on 16 August.
Deana said her much-missed brother as an “innocent” victim who was “naïve”, “trusting” and a “kid at heart”.
“He died innocently so we want justice… To put this person away so he doesn’t do it again.
“If you have a brother, sister, wife or kids, you come out (with information).”
Homicide Squad police are exploring whether Zabi was gunned down as a result of mistaken identity, with the killer possibly linked to the Comancheros or another outlaw motorcycle gang.
Detective Inspector Tim Day said there was nothing to suggest in Zabi’s background that he would have been the intended target.
Police are closing on a link between a Honda CRV seen driving in the area shortly before the shooting about 7.40pm on 16 August and a white late model Toyota Corolla.
The 2014-15 Corolla was possibly used by the offenders in the lead-up, Victoria Police believe.
Zabi had moved to Melbourne seven months before the shooting. It was the first time he’d moved out by himself.
Deana and Mariam had visited Zabi for two weeks up to the day before the shooting. “It was like we were meant to go there,” Deana said.
She described him loving to box on a punching bag at home, loving food and loving his close-knit extended Afghan family in Perth and Melbourne.
“He had a heart of gold,” Deana said of her younger brother.
“It’s had a big impact on all of us… We think of him every day.”
Zabi’s mother Mariam and relatives had originally moved to Australia as refugees. They never imagined something like this would happen in Australia, Mariam said.
His sister added that Zabi would have never been capable of carrying out such a shooting himself – or even thinking about doing it.
Det Insp Day said “any piece of information no matter how small” could help solve Zabi’s killing.
He said there were a number of suspects identified by police, but wouldn’t elaborate on the number.
He said there was “absolutely no reason for Zabi’s family to go through this.”
“We have a young man who has senselessly lost his life through the unnecessarily violent actions of others.
“No family should have to lose their son or their brother like this.”
Any information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
