The fatal shooting of a university student in a violent home invasion in Sydney’s south-west is being investigated as a possible case of mistaken identity.
Marco Tapia, 23, was in bed when he was shot inside the house on Mount Sugarloaf Drive in Glen Alpine at 3.40am on Tuesday.
Marco Tapia was a UTS biomedical engineering student. LinkedIn
Police have since seized a Mazda that was dumped on a bridge in nearby Airds, which they said could potentially be linked to the shooting.
Officers shut down the bridge and searched the area.
Tapia’s family was home at the time of the shooting and have been “very helpful” in assisting police.
They said their son was “innocent” and “didn’t deserve this”.
An Instagram post shared after the attack by an alleged leader of the Coconut Cartel gang seemingly referred to the shooting, reading “Popped the wrong person, didn’t even get the right house”.
Police confirmed they have been made aware of the social media post.
Tapia was a biomedical engineering student at the University of Technology Sydney and a volunteer with Engineers Without Borders UTS, according to his professional Linkedin page.
The promising student posted frequently about his volunteering experience and engagement in student life.
“I also volunteer with Engineers Without Borders UTS, running the youth outreach program and assisting with society logistics,” Tapia wrote on Linkedin.
“My leadership experience in school and youth programs reflects my commitment to empowering others.”
His Linkedin also showed his experience of a youth team leader at a nearby Hillsong church.
Police were called to the scene at about 3.40am. NIne
Police say they believe the attack was targeted, and have not ruled out the possibility of mistaken identity.
Acting Superintendent Gretchen Atkins said Tapia had a traffic offence on his record but hadn’t been known to police.
She said multiple offenders had carried out the attack on the home, and had fled shortly before police arrived.
“A young man has lost his life today and that’s just tragic,” Atkins said.
Asked about the possibility of the attackers targeting the wrong house, she said “everything is under investigation”.
“Any small piece of information is what may (help us) get the break that we’re actually looking for,” Atkins said.
It comes days after another man was shot in a suspected underworld attack in Guildford amid the ongoing feud between the Alameddine alleged crime family and the Coconut Cartel group.
An investigation is under way and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
The street was expected to remain closed off for some hours as police examined the scene and carried out forensic procedures.
Anybody with information, including anybody who may have seen cars or people in the area, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers online or on 1800 333 000.