Police have charged two people, including a 15-year-old, as the alleged gunmen in the shooting of former NRL player Matt Utai outside his home in Sydney’s west earlier this week.
Shooting Investigation
The ex-Bulldogs and Wests Tigers winger remains in a critical condition after he was shot multiple times outside his family home in Greenacre, at about 6am on Tuesday, as he was leaving for work.
A short time later, a black Toyota was found burnt out in Wiley Park believed to be connected to the attack.
Related Incidents
The following night, at about 12.45am, shots were fired at a house in St Clair. A woman in her 50s was uninjured inside. A second burnt-out car discovered a short time later in Colyton was seized by police for forensic examination.
The early morning following the second shooting, a fire erupted at a Guildford West home and a nearby car was found well alight. Firefighters extinguished both blazes, and no one was injured.
Arrests and Charges
Police say there is no suggestion of any wrongdoing by Matt Utai, and he is not involved in any criminal activity. On Thursday, officers executed six search warrants in Riverwood, Guildford, Lilyfield, Villawood and Auburn. Police later seized three vehicles, 1kg of cocaine, knuckle dusters, electronics and clothing.
Four males, aged from 16 to 19 years old, were arrested and charged with crimes in relation to the alleged firebombing and shooting. All four men remain before the courts. Authorities said yesterday they believe some of the alleged offenders are acting “as part of a criminals-for-hire group”, and that multiple perpetrators remain at large.
Later that day, at about 6.50pm, police arrested a 25-year-old man in Marsden Park. A 15-year-old boy was arrested shortly after. They were taken to Mt Druitt Police Station.
They were charged with shooting with intent to murder and participating in a criminal group in relation to the alleged shooting in Greenacre. The 25-year-old was also charged with possession of a prohibited drug. They were refused bail to appear at court today.
Police are investigating whether Utai’s son, Iziah’s, alleged links to the Alameddine crime network could have been the reason behind the alleged attacks. 9News understands 24-year-old Iziah is currently overseas. Police say the younger Utai is currently wanted for “criminal group offences”.
NSW Police set up Strike Force Halesowen to investigate the incidents, all of which are believed to have been targeting Utai’s family.
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