Three more people have been charged over the alleged murder of 23-year-old university student Marco Tapia, who was fatally shot during a home invasion in Sydney’s south-west earlier this month.
Tapia was killed at about 3.40am on September 1 inside his home on Mount Sugarloaf Drive at Glen Alpine. Police believe he had no links to criminal activity and was mistakenly targeted in what investigators allege was a botched organised crime hit.
Following further investigations, police arrested a 16-year-old boy and two men, aged 22 and 23, in Junee, in southern New South Wales.
All three were charged with murder, aggravated break and enter and weapons offences.
Police will allege in court that the three were part of the group that entered Tapia’s home and confronted him before he was fatally shot. Investigators allege one member of the group was armed with a pistol and was responsible for firing the fatal shot.
The three accused were refused bail and are due to appear before the courts.
The latest arrests bring to five the number of people charged in connection with Tapia’s death.
Two teenage boys, aged 14 and 16, were arrested earlier this month following police searches at two homes in Fairfield. They were charged with murder, participating in a criminal group contributing to criminal activity, possessing an unauthorised prohibited firearm and offences relating to vehicles allegedly used during the operation.
Police have alleged those two teenagers were not part of the group that entered Tapia’s home but were involved in the preparation, planning and aftermath of the alleged attack.
Investigators claim their alleged roles included supplying weapons, helping dispose of a vehicle and cleaning a property linked to those involved.
Homicide commander Detective Superintendent Joe Doueihi previously said police believe the teenagers may have been recruited by organised crime figures operating overseas, a method investigators say is becoming increasingly common in parts of the criminal underworld.
Tapia was studying biomedical engineering at the University of Technology Sydney and was also involved with Engineers Without Borders UTS.
According to his professional profile, he took part in youth outreach programs and student activities and had spoken about his commitment to helping and empowering others.
His family has described him as a caring and ambitious young man who dreamed of becoming an engineer.
His parents, Sergio and Claudia, have spoken publicly about the shock of losing their son, describing the events of that night as a nightmare.
Tapia’s older sister is due to marry in November, and Marco had been expected to attend the wedding as one of the groomsmen.
Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the alleged organised crime connections behind the attack.
The charges against all accused remain allegations and have not been proven in court.
