Two teenagers have been charged with murder over the fatal shooting of university student Marco Tapia in Sydney’s south-west, according to police and ABC News.
Tapia, 23, was shot at a home in Glen Alpine on September 1. Detectives later confirmed that the property was allegedly targeted in a case of mistaken identity. Officers were told the offenders left the address shortly before police arrived.
Police executed search warrants at two properties in Fairfield at 10am on Wednesday as part of the investigation. The two boys, aged 14 and 16, were arrested and taken to Cabramatta Police Station.
Both teenagers were charged with murder, participating in a criminal group to contribute criminal activity, possessing an unauthorised prohibited firearm and two counts of driving a conveyance taken without the owner’s consent. The 14-year-old also faces a charge of damaging property by fire or explosion.
Detectives will allege that the teenagers staged vehicles and provided a weapon for the gunman. The source material does not provide further details about the alleged roles of other people involved in the shooting.
The teenagers were refused bail and were due to appear at a children’s court on Thursday. The charges remain allegations to be considered by the court.